Written by Prof. Mannixs E. Paul, PhD, FCFIP, FCIML, FCECFI, FFAR
Throughout history, the idea of sainthood has captured human imagination as one of the highest expressions of moral and spiritual attainment. The term saint is derived from the Latin word sanctus, meaning “holy,” “set apart,” or “consecrated.” At its core, sainthood represents the embodiment of divine virtue in human conduct—the visible reflection of God’s grace through the life of an individual. However, the question of who can be called a saint, and whether a living person can be regarded as one, remains a subject of theological and moral debate. This essay explores the meaning, scope, and implications of sainthood from biblical, ecclesiastical, and moral perspectives, and argues that while sainthood is formally conferred posthumously by religious institutions, its essence can manifest in the lives of the living who walk in faith and holiness.
From a biblical standpoint, sainthood is not an exclusive status reserved for a select few; rather, it is a shared identity among all believers who have been sanctified by faith. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul often addressed Christian communities as “saints.” For instance, in Philippians 1:1, he writes, “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi,” and in Ephesians 2:19, he speaks of believers as “fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” Here, the term “saint” is not a title of perfection but a declaration of spiritual separation—those who, through faith in Christ, are set apart to live a life that honors God. In this theological sense, sainthood is both a divine calling and a moral responsibility. Every believer is summoned to live a sanctified life, demonstrating love, mercy, humility, and truth.
In contrast, the ecclesiastical understanding of sainthood, particularly within the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, follows a more structured and formalized process known as canonization. This process involves the posthumous recognition of individuals whose lives exhibit exceptional virtue and evidence of divine intervention through miracles. Such persons are then officially declared Saints by the Church, not merely as a form of honor, but as models of holiness for the faithful. This institutional recognition is grounded in the belief that human judgment must be guided by careful discernment, ensuring that the candidate’s life truly manifested enduring faith and virtue. Therefore, canonization typically occurs only after death, as the Church must evaluate the entirety of a person’s moral and spiritual legacy.
Nevertheless, the question of whether a living person can be called a saint invites a broader moral and philosophical interpretation. In the biblical and spiritual sense, the answer is affirmative. A living person can be regarded as a saint if they embody the virtues of holiness, compassion, and selflessness in daily life. Such individuals are not without flaws but are characterized by their commitment to moral integrity, humility, and service to humanity. Contemporary society often uses the term “saintly” to describe individuals whose conduct transcends ordinary virtue. Figures such as Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela were frequently described as “living saints” for their extraordinary compassion and dedication to human dignity. Although these appellations are not ecclesiastical titles, they reveal an enduring truth: sainthood is not confined to the afterlife but can be mirrored in the living who personify divine love and justice.
From a theological perspective, sainthood represents both an instantaneous and progressive reality. The doctrine of sanctification explains that a person becomes sanctified upon receiving divine grace—an instantaneous transformation of status before God. However, sanctification also unfolds as a lifelong process of moral and spiritual growth. The Apostle Paul reminds believers, “This is the will of God, even your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Thus, sainthood is not an abstract ideal but an evolving journey of spiritual maturity and obedience to divine will.
It follows that while the Church canonizes saints after death, God recognizes saints among the living. Human institutions may require evidence of miracles or heroic virtue, but the divine measure of sainthood rests in the purity of heart and consistency of faith. As Christ taught in Matthew 5:8, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” This declaration shifts the focus of sainthood from ceremonial recognition to inward transformation. Holiness, therefore, is not the privilege of a few but the aspiration of all who seek to live in alignment with God’s truth.
In conclusion, sainthood transcends institutional boundaries and temporal distinctions between life and death. While the Church’s formal canonization serves an important function in preserving models of faith for collective emulation, the deeper essence of sainthood lies in the moral and spiritual discipline of daily living. A saint, whether living or departed, is one whose life radiates the light of divine virtue in a world often clouded by selfishness and moral decay. Ultimately, the call to sainthood is universal: it is a call to live righteously, love selflessly, and walk humbly with God. In this sense, sainthood is less about recognition and more about reflection—reflecting, in human form, the boundless grace and holiness of the divine.
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