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The Meaning Of 'saint'

When looking at the name of the Church you may become focused on the name of 'Jesus Christ', especially with the way the current logo emphasizes His name in larger font. However, let's focus in on the word, 'Saint'. Many religions refer to Saints as the stronger beings that really sacrificed and 'earned' the title 'Saint'. However in the Church, a member that is baptised is referred to as a Saint, in fact they become a fellow Saint.

Now have you ever stopped to think about the meaning of the word Saint? The Bible Dictionary tells us that its origin comes from the Greek word meaning 'Holy' and has come to mean 'free from blemish' since God is free from sin and we are His followers.

Now the question is, with this knowledge, do you think it has changed your perspective on hearing, seeing and speaking about the 'Saint(s)'? Think about it...

Q. What religion are you?
A. I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day 'free from sin' or 'Holy'

saint Meaning The

Excellent points. That is why we are commanded so often to become free from sin and holy. The problem is that, for the most part, we get so caught up in the "programs" and the meetings of our religion that we fail to learn the true lessons.

While a "saint" is "free from sin" and "holy" he/she is not perfect. That means that on occassion, he will sin.

The difference is that the saint has become a new creature in Christ. For the most part, we have all been conditioned to think that this happens when we are baptized. But then we are usually disappointed when we don't see a huge difference after our baptism. Yes, we all (or at least most of us) feel a huge difference in our relationship with God after our baptism, but I doubt that all that many experience the Baptism of Fire and the Holy Ghost.

When we experience the Baptism of Fire, we actually receive the remission of our sins, and are then "saints" in the true sense of the word. From that time forth, we need to retain this remission, but the Holy Ghost will be so much stronger within us that this will be possible.

Part of the problem is that we seem to learn about sin and repentance with the idea that we need to attack each individual sin, one at a time. Remember learning the five 'r's of repentance? Recognition, remorse, restitution, etc.?

Well, the good news is that we don't need to attack each sin by itself. We need to repent of all our sins, and receive a remission of all of them at once. When we do this, we are reborn, changed from the natural man to the spiritual. Until we do this, we aren't really "saints".

NightHawk

The Meaning Of 'saint' Studies Doctrine Mormon

I think that depends on the person joining and their reason. Those that are 'golden' often really cherish their new found fellowship in the Saints and do feel the Fire, but those who are just joining because they like the missionaries probably care nothing for the Saints at all and fall into what you described. Yes, they might be a big a part of the membership, but I don't know if they are the majority, I would like to hope not. Some do becomeSaints and fall away, but later become far greater in Spirit upon their return than those who have remained in full fellowshp for years.

True, and it is a good way to focus on our lives as a whole rather than a part. However, knowing how 'slow' we are, we will have to lean on the Lord's counsel of line upon line and not run faster than we have strenght since some sins require a longer period of reconciliation.

saint Meaning The

What I find interesting is the definition to the Catholic Church of a Saint. To them only a select few are named as saints. My understanding of the Catholic view of a Saint is someone who has made it into heaven. Now, the Catholic Church doesn't claim that only those they name as Saints are in heaven, but the ones they name, the claim to be able to assure are in heaven.

So taking their definition and then understanding our view of the "afterlife," I think this is another reason to call us Saints. We may not all receive Exaltation, but since we know there are many levels of heaven, I believe the vast majority of us will go to one of these levels (the alternative being to be cast out). So using the Catholic Church's definition of Saint as someone who has made it to heaven, it fits any LDS member, in my opinion who lives their lives honestly trying to follow the Gospel.

This seems to be what both JB and Nighthawk have said so far. To be a Saint means to be honestly trying to live the Gospel fully striving for the ultimate goal of exaltation in the Celestial Kingdom.

Elder Bangerter also goes on in the article to say, as also has been said here, that we are not perfect, but to be saints it should be our goal, and "What we do is to strive with faith and devotion onward toward perfection in order to obtain eternal life."

I believe this is why we call ourselves Saints. I think we often forget this. I wonder how many in recent years have even given it a thought. I know I haven't thought about this concept since the mid-80's when I first joined. It seemed to be discussed a bit back then (at least in my Ward), now, for many, it is just a name.