As a pastor, one of the most frequent questions I’ve been asked by new believers and non-believers is the difference between Saints and Angels. Therefore, during my recent Bible study session, I suggested we research and discuss this interesting topic. Today, I’m excited to present a comprehensive summary of our discussion on “Saints vs. Angels,” encompassing all the valuable insights we learned.
Saints and angels differ in their nature and role. Saints are human individuals who’ve lived virtuous lives and are recognized by the Church for their holiness. They serve as examples of faith for believers. Angels, on the other hand, are celestial beings created by God to fulfill His divine will. They serve as messengers, protectors, and servants of God.
In this post, I invite you to join me as we uncover the differences between Saints and Angels. To also learn whether there are any similarities between the two and if Saints are higher than Angels, keep reading.
Saints vs. Angels: Difference in the definition
Saints are individuals who’ve led lives of exceptional holiness and have been recognized by the Church for their sanctity. In Christianity, saints are seen as exemplars of faith, models of virtue, and intercessors for believers. Angels, on the other hand, are spiritual beings mentioned throughout the Bible, created by God to serve as intermediaries between God and humanity. They’re depicted as powerful and intelligent beings, often appearing to deliver messages, offer protection, or carry out God’s will.
Difference between saints and angels
One of the differences between Saints and Angels is in their nature and origin. Saints are individuals recognized for their holiness, virtue, and devotion to God. They’re often canonized by the Church after a thorough investigation of their life, miracles, and impact on others. These are human beings who’ve attained spiritual perfection through their faith and good works. Angels are spiritual or celestial beings created by God. They’re pure spirits, devoid of physical bodies, and are believed to have higher knowledge, power, and proximity to the divine.
Another difference between Saints and Angels is their purpose and function. Saints are venerated and sought after by Christians as intercessors and role models. They’re believed to have the ability to intercede on behalf of humans, praying for their needs and intentions. Saints also serve as inspiration for believers, encouraging them to live virtuous lives. Angels serve as intermediaries between God and humanity, delivering divine messages, protecting individuals, and carrying out God’s will.
Similarities between saints and angels
One of the similarities between Saints and Angels is that both are associated with the divine and share in the presence of God. As implied by various Theological studies, saints, through their sanctity and close relationship with God, experience a deep communion with the divine. Similarly, angels are spiritual beings created by God and are in constant communion with Him. They exist in the presence of God, profoundly experiencing His glory and holiness.
Another similarity is that both are believed to intercede on behalf of humanity. As mentioned earlier, Saints, due to their holiness and close union with God, are considered powerful intercessors. Angels also play a role in intercession, carrying messages between God and humanity and acting as mediators.
It’s important to remember that while there are these similarities between saints and angels, their distinct roles and natures must also be acknowledged.
Why Are Angels Also Called Saints?
Angels are also called Saints because of their association with the divine. The term “saint” is applied to angels to emphasize their close connection to the divine and their inherent holiness. In some theological interpretations, angels are seen as a category of saints. Some Theological studies imply that the term “saint” can be used in a broader sense to encompass all beings, whether angelic or human, aligned with God’s purposes and engage in acts of holiness. Angels, in their service to God and their participation in His divine plan, can be considered part of this broader category of saints. It’s crucial to note that using the term “saint” to refer to angels may vary across different theological traditions and contexts, and the understanding of the term can depend on specific interpretations.
Are the Saints higher than Angels?
It’s generally understood that saints and angels occupy distinct roles and positions in the spiritual realm. Therefore, whether saints are higher than angels doesn’t have a straightforward answer. The angelic hierarchy places angels in different orders, with some closer to God than others. Saints have a special value and potential because they can unite with God through Christ, giving their lives a higher purpose. Ultimately, both saints and angels play significant roles in the divine plan and are valued within Christianity.
Why are some angels considered saints in the Catholic Church?
Some angels are considered saints in the Catholic Church due to their exceptional holiness. Certain angels in the Catholic Church, such as Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, are regarded as saints because of their extraordinary holiness and unwavering commitment to God’s will. These angels are celebrated for their faithfulness, obedience, and role in carrying out divine missions. Recognizing these angels as saints reflects their elevated spiritual status and significance within the Christian faith.
Also, the recognition of certain angels as saints in the Catholic Church is often rooted in centuries of tradition and popular devotion. These angels have been venerated and invoked by the faithful throughout history, leading to their formal recognition by the Church. The veneration of angelic saints in the Catholic Church fosters a deeper devotion and connection to these celestial beings.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
