Who was Saint mary in the Bible?

@seotelkniwt good point

@seotelkniwt I am not a Christian. But when I search I get that Mary was a saint. So what are the characteristics of a saint as per Christianity for someone to be called/considered as Saint?

@ABCDEF7 The question is what gives you the idea that Mary was a saint? There are true Christians, followers of Jesus that exist but they are not called saints and they humbly don't consider themselves as saints. They, we are simply called followers of Christ. Where in the Bible does Jesus call his mom or his followers saints? Where in your research or search did you come to the conclusion that Mary is a saint?

The word saint or saintly can be referred to a person as having godly or god like qualities. All true Christians strive to be god like and "saintly". However that doesn't make them a saint.

@ABCDEF7 If Jesus didn't call or address his mother as saint Mary why are you imagining she is a saint? A thorough indepth study of the Bible, Holy scriptures will help you to see how Jehovah God and His son Jesus views Mary.

@seotelkniwt Here are few of my finding on Internet that the consideration of Mary as a saint, particularly within the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, is supported by several theological and historical points. Here are the key facts that substantiate her status as a saint:

1. Divine Selection
Mary was chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus, which is a unique and significant role in Christian theology. This selection is seen as a mark of her holiness and special relationship with God, setting her apart for a divine purpose.

2. Model of Virtue
Mary exemplifies virtues such as faith, obedience, and humility. Her response to the Annunciation, where she accepted God's will, is often cited as a model for believers. This virtuous life aligns with the qualities associated with sainthood.

3. Participation in Salvation History
Mary's role in the incarnation of Christ is central to Christian belief. She is referred to as the "Mother of God" (Theotokos), emphasizing her importance in the mystery of salvation. This theological position has been affirmed by various Church councils, including the Council of Ephesus in 431 AD.

4. Immaculate Conception and Sinlessness
The Catholic Church teaches that Mary was conceived without original sin (the Immaculate Conception) and remained sinless throughout her life. This belief, while not universally accepted among all Christian denominations, contributes to her status as a saint in Catholic theology.

5. Veneration and Titles
Mary is venerated with a unique form of honor called *hyperdulia*, which is greater than the ordinary veneration given to other saints (*dulia*), but distinct from the worship reserved for God (*latria*). This special status reflects her unique role in salvation history and her exemplary holiness[4].

6. Cultural and Historical Significance
Mary's influence extends beyond theology into cultural and artistic realms. She has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music, further solidifying her status as a significant figure in Christianity.

7. Witness of the Early Church
The veneration of Mary can be traced back to the early Church, where she was honored for her role in the life of Jesus. This historical continuity of devotion supports her recognition as a saint, even in the absence of formal canonization processes that developed later.


Citations:
[1] https://udayton.edu/imri/mary/s/sainthood-of-mary-sanctity.php
[2] https://franciscanvoice.org/venerating-mary/
[3] https://appliedunificationism.com/2023/03/20/the-veneration-of-mary-and-its-implications-for-women-in-the-church/
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veneration_of_Mary_in_the_Catholic_Church
[5] https://www.sanctamatermaria.com/the-greatest-saint

@ABCDEF7 Google and the internet cannot replace the Bible. Unless your research is coming from the Bible, it is useless manmade ideas and garble. My research is based strictly on God’s word, not some so called educated terminology that's not verified in the Bible. Please show me scriptures to back up your claims that Mary is a saint. Did God or man appoint Mary as a saint? Man's opinion and viewpoints don't count unless its backing up what the Bible says.

@seotelkniwt I am sorry to say, your perception about Who is a Saint is totally wrong.

In Christianity, the term "saint" generally refers to individuals who are recognized for their holiness and virtue, often through a life dedicated to following the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Bible provides various references that help define who saints are and their significance within the faith.

Biblical References to Saints
1. Definition of Saints: In the New Testament, the term "saint" is used to describe all believers in Christ. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 1:2, Paul addresses the church in Corinth as "to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (ESV). This indicates that all Christians are considered saints due to their faith in Jesus.

2. Characteristics of Saints: Saints are depicted as those who endure and keep God's commandments. Revelation 14:12 states, "Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus" (ESV). This highlights the active role of saints in living out their faith.

3. Examples of Saints: The Bible mentions specific individuals as saints, such as the apostles. In Ephesians 3:8, Paul refers to himself as "less than the least of all the saints," indicating a community of believers recognized for their faithfulness. Additionally, Philippians 1:1 addresses "all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi," further emphasizing that the term encompasses all believers.

4. Old Testament References: The term "saint" is also found in the Old Testament, where it is used to describe God's chosen people. For example, in Psalms 106:16, it mentions "Aaron the saint of the LORD," indicating that certain figures were recognized for their holiness even before the New Testament.

Can you show me in Bible that says that Mary was not Saint, or She can't be a Saint?

@ABCDEF7 The ESV translation and probably other modern Bible translations added the words: "saints" - "saint". The word saint is not in the original Hebrew or Greek text. It's a spurious word that was added by the so-called catholic fathers and catholic theologians.

@seotelkniwt In Hebrew, the words קדש (Kodesh; means holiness, holy one, or saint) and חסיד (Chasiyd; means faithful, godly, Saint, etc.)

When there is no single exact word in Hebrew for meaning of saint, but there is concept of saints in Christianity, then your asking is baseless.

Either you should say, you don't believe in the concept of Saints because it was not there in early concepts of Christianity. But that would not mean Christianity today don't believe in the concept of saints. It will be only you who don't believe.

Or you should accept the references that I provided to accept Mary as a Saint.

@ABCDEF7 The concept of a deified imperfect human made into a god to be worshipped and prayed to goes against original and truthful scriptural Bible texts. The original writings never promoted or used the word saint or pinned the word saint(s) on Jesus or any of his apostles and followers. The unholy manmade practice or option of voting to make someone a saint is highly unscriptural.

@Umile thank you

@ABCDEF7 I don't accept uninspired man made references. Unless the inspired holy Bible says Mary is a saint I will NEVER accept Jesus' mother as being a saint.

@seotelkniwt So tell me, what are the approved list of saints as per your version of Bible? or there is no single one define in it?

@ABCDEF7 There is no such thing as an approved list of saints in any Bible and there never will be. That's your thinking.

@seotelkniwt So you don't approve of any saint in Christianity?

@ABCDEF7 it's not about what I approve of it's about what the Bible actually states and does not state. My approval means nothing if it's not in harmony with God's word the Bible.

@ABCDEF7 True Christianity does not feature nor push the false teaching or doctrine of saints being idolized and worshipped.

@seotelkniwt So you should say, "there is no Saint in this world as per Christianity". Instead of just targeting Mary.

@ABCDEF7 You yourself said it. TRUE Christians don't consider themselves "saints"; Jesus didn't call his mom saint Mary and true Christians follow his example.

@seotelkniwt I never used word "true". Don't put your words in my mouth. I just asked you to clarify what you want to say.

@ABCDEF7 I'm saying the word true, not you. You have misunderstood my wording. There's a period after the first sentence. The next sentence is my thought not yours.

@seotelkniwt Now, I am not talking about just the status of Mary as a saint, after you made the concept of Saints as null and void in Christianity.

If you say that, "There are no saints in Christianity.", it's ok for the discussion.