You wrote:
“Where does it say that Christ allows others to share in the intercession for our sins?”
There are many things the Bible doesn’t say simply because the Bible was never intended to contain all doctrine on all things.
“We will judge with Him in the Second Coming, true. But to equate this “sharing” when it’s plainly stated in the New Heavens and New Earth to Mary, et. al., “sharing” with Christ in the intercession for our sins is a non-sequitur.”
No, it is not a “non-sequitur”. The two are similar authorities: both are IN Christ, both are about the communion of saints, both are related to the final destiny of the saved man.
“I was accused of stretching, but this really is. Two separate issues.”
They are indeed two separated, but RELATED, issues. I never claimed they were exactly the same.
“One plainly spelled out (end times judging) and intercession for sins, other prayers.”
The Bible was never inspired nor written with the intention of containing in explicit form every doctrine on every subject. Also, it was written before there were even many saints to write about!
If you’re interested: http://www.catholic.com/library/praying_to_the_saints.asp
and here is some early evidence: http://www.catholic.com/library/Intercession_of_the_Saints.asp
“There are many things the Bible doesn’t say simply because the Bible was never intended to contain all doctrine on all things.”
So true! And, I agree. But, to add to the Word of God those things that are not plainly spelled out is to trifle with God’s revealed word. And that, I would hope you would agree, is not something to be done at all. But, the Bible DOES say explicitly many things about God’s plan for our salvation. And to add to it or change it is wrong. Whether or not you agree, this is what I see as the issue here: where does it say in God’s word that you are to pray to Mary or the Saints? It DOES say that we are to pray to God — and that Christ is the one mediator, the payment for our sins, alone — and those things we can take to the bank. So, I pray to God and I worship him, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, ALONE. To do otherwise is idolatry — spelled out as such in God’s Word.
So, whether or not the statements are “related” can always be argued. But the fact is that God’s word is exactly that and we admonished to not add to it. It’s holy, inspired, and inerrant. We, as humans however, are not inerrant. And I see too much being added by man that I cannot find proof for in God’s word.
So — again, I’ve enjoyed it, and I will pray that there will be “eyes to see” and “ears to hear.” And I’ll be asking God to do this since He alone is able.
Enjoyed it!
Hoss