We recently observed a day that many would associate with the Roman Catholic Church because of the title Saint. Even more identify him with the Irish people, even though he was not Irish. The title of Saint Patrick recognizes the great mission work God enabled him to do as he brought the whole Irish nation into a Christian nation in two years. Patrick is truly a man of God whose work can be celebrated by the whole Christian Church.

Is the title “saint” limited to only a few who have died and are recognized and honored as great examples of faith? That is the impression we often get. But when we look to scripture, especially the letters written by Paul, we find him addressing the members of congregations as “saints.” For example, Paul begins the letter to the church at Ephesus with, “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 1:1)

Even though a few have been singled out and have been given the title “Saint” God’s Word calls all God’s people “Saints.” All Christians are saints, as God makes them holy through the saving work of Jesus Christ. It is only by all of our sins being covered by the blood of Jesus, shed on a cross, that God makes us holy. As we look at ourselves in this life we must acknowledge and confess that we are sinners. We know our failures and disobedience to God. It is not what we do, but what God has done, that makes us holy saints.

So we know that we are sinners and we are also saints. Those who look at Christians and expect them to be perfect are disappointed and some even call us hypocrites. Christians are not perfect, but they are forgiven — forgiven because Jesus paid the price for our sins and reconciles us to our heavenly Father. In response we try with God’s help to change our lives, but we will not actually be perfect until we arrive in our heavenly home. Until then we try to be better, but must rely on God’s saving love.

To learn more about being a saint, please visit or contact St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fredonia (672-6731), Immanuel Lutheran Church, Gowanda (532-4342), or Trinity Lutheran Church, Silver Creek (934-2002).