Working out my own salvation with fear and trembling

by chuckofish

Last week it was announced that Mother Teresa was to be declared a saint in September. Well, great. I’m not going to go into a long thing about how I think this is silly, but I thought this explanation of why Protestants have no need of saints is apt:

How do we, as Protestants, think well about all of this? So much could be said and the more we say the deeper we would need to dig into the intricacies and errors of Roman Catholic doctrine and practice, especially as it relates to justification, sanctification, and glorification. But perhaps we can at least say this: We are saints who have no need of saints. All who have believed in the gospel of grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone have already been declared saints by God (see Romans 1:1-7, 1 Corinthians 1:1-3, 2 Corinthians 1:1-2, and Ephesians 2:19-21). We are God’s holy people, called by him and to him. Jesus Christ is the full and final mediator between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5) who invites us to confidently approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16) believing that his Spirit is already interceding on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27). We are the saints of God who have no need for the intercession of saints who have gone before.

–Tim Challies, blogger, author, and book reviewer

Discuss among yourselves.

BTW, internet problems at home are wrecking havoc with blogging, so please be patient.