Does this mean "no" to the question of intercessory prayer? Is this something that is not scriptural in Calvinists view?
Also, I'm not sure of your reply to whether the Saints in heaven are part of the Body of Christ?
This then should indicate my reply. Intecessory prayer, the Saints are alive in Jesus Christ.
To address your "need" question, I have to go back to the question of minimalism. I do a great many things I don't need to do; I don't factor need into the equation. It's not, for me, trying to figure out the minimum I need to do. T
I believe that prayer helps me and helps others. I'd go so far as to say I know that it does. I pray for you, and I'd be grateful for any prayers of yours for me.
Maybe you could see this last part as most definitely needed? :)
thanks very much for your reply.
How do you speak to them?
Do they speak back?
Do you know them?
Why would they (assuming that they could) pray for you?
Do they have divine and supernatural powers that allow them to hear your prayers and the prayers of others?
Why by-pass Jesus Christ who is the only mediator between God and man?
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
"That God's word damns your ceremonies it is evident; for the plain and straight commandment of God is, 'Not that thing which appears good in thy eyes shalt thou do to the Lord thy God, but what the Lord thy God has commanded thee; that do thou; add nothing to it; diminish nothing from it.' Now unless you are able to prove that God has commanded your ceremonies, this his former commandment will damn both you and them." -- John Knox (Knox, Works, 1:199. Cf. Calvin, The Necessity of Reforming the Church, in Tracts, 1:128-29.)