This is a MODERATED Forum. Your post may have to be approved before it is posted. In order to post a new topic, you must be registered and logged in. The links to register or log in are at the bottom of any page on this website. Although we often allow controversial topics to be posted, we urge you to follow the spirit of Matthew 5:23-25, Matthew 18:15-22, and Ephesians 4:29-32. We reserve the right to remove posts we feel are offensive.
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
| Author |
| |
Messages |
Sort: |
|
| whitney (guest) |
|
Posted:04/20/2006 12:58 AM |
|
when christians say we believe in the "communion of saints", what exactly does this mean? do you think there is anything wrong with praying to mary and the saints? i would never worship a saint, but i don't see what is wrong with asking them to pray for us, just as we would ask a christian brother or sister here on earth to pray for us.
when catholics say they believe in the communion of saints, they are not just talking about the christians of today; they are speaking of the church on earth, as well as those who have gone to heaven before us. the bible says christians are "alive in christ", and therefore, the christians who have died are more alive than we are on earth. there is no time in heaven, so in God's eyes, what is the difference between yesterday, today, and tomorrow? we know that mary is saved, so is it wrong to ask her to pray for us?
and what about visions of mary? do we choose not to believe these visions, just because that's what we want, or do we believe them? for instance, i cannot deny the "our lady of guadalupe" miracle.
i know the bible says Jesus is the only way to the Father, but that is talking about salvation. of course praying to the saints will not save us; only believe Christ is Lord will save us. what is wrong with being in fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ who have gone to dwell in heaven before us?
|
|
gfike
Posts:249
|
|
Posted:04/20/2006 5:47 PM |
|
In the scriptures, we are never commanded to share our concerns and prayers with those who have passed away. The only time in scripture, anyone talked to a departed saint was in 1st Samuel, when Saul hired a medium to talk to Samuel. That didn't turn out too well for Saul. (chapter 28)
Scripture teaches us that our faith in Christ has gained us access into the presence of God the Father. There is no need for anyone else's intervention to make our prayers more acceptable to Him. Jesus himself said this in John 16:
"In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God."
We do not get extra prayer "mojo" from asking the departed to pray for us; as far as God is concerned He is as close to us as to any of them. Jesus gave us this assurance of the power of our prayers in Matthew 18:19: "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven."
In seems that he is pleased when we ask our fellow travelers to pray, but does not encourage prayer partnering with those who have received their reward: they've put in their time: let's let 'em rest!
|
|
|
| You are not authorized to post a reply. |
|
ActiveForums 3.0
|
|