Second, it is incorrect to equate intercessory prayer of the saints within the Body of Christ, with conjuring the spirits of the dead. Anyone who conjures departed spirits via witchcraft, seances, etc is acting at best out of superstitious ignorance, but it is dangerous and hence forbidden. We all know this.
Third, the "Body of Christ" is another term for the "Communion of Saints". It makes no sense to say that the saints on earth have the spiritual gift of being able to help each other by "effectual fervent prayer," but lose this power --- or become unready, unwilling or unable --- ion heaven, as if their spiritual gifts had been suddenly truncated, when Scripture says their spiritual gifts in heaven will be so much greater, we cannot even imagine it.
I believe this whole comprehension gap stems from tn underlying false and unBiblical idea that the holy ones who have passed on to be with Jesus in Heaven are "dead."
“(First of all, you ought to have apologized for saying Catholics worship Mary, which is not true. You may have said this out of ignorance, which is, of course widespread amongst us all, but now that you have been corrected, a simple “sorry” is in order.)”
- My Apologies to you and other Catholics who do not Worship Mary!
Unfortunately, when visiting Catholic Churches, I have seen many Catholics who bow down to a Statue of Mary and worship her. This is wrong on many fronts, particularly, a violation of the 2nd Commandment – “Thou shall not make a graven image (Idol) of any likeness on earth (i.e. Mary). And you shall not worship them.”
“(Second, it is incorrect to equate intercessory prayer of the saints within the Body of Christ, with conjuring the spirits of the dead. Anyone who conjures departed spirits via witchcraft, seances, etc is acting at best out of superstitious ignorance, but it is dangerous and hence forbidden. We all know this.)”
- I agree, but you did not provide any Scripture allowing for LIVING Believers to contact saints who have passed on. I know of no such Scripture that allows one to pray to Mary, Moses or Abraham, etc.
“(Third, the “Body of Christ” is another term for the “Communion of Saints”. It makes no sense to say that the saints on earth have the spiritual gift of being able to help each other by “effectual fervent prayer,” but lose this power -— or become unready, unwilling or unable -— ion heaven, as if their spiritual gifts had been suddenly truncated, when Scripture says their spiritual gifts in heaven will be so much greater, we cannot even imagine it.)”
- Jesus told the thief on the Cross: “today you will be with me in paradise” Luke 23:43
In heaven, the ‘thief on the Cross’ became a Saint and was able to do many things, including pray for others residing on earth most likely.
But nowhere in Scripture are we earthlings told to pray to or attempt to contact anyone in heaven, such as Mary, ‘the thief on the Cross’, etc. We are to pray to God -— “Our Father in Heaven” as Jesus taught us in the ‘Lord’s Prayer’.
“(I believe this whole comprehension gap stems from tn underlying false and unBiblical idea that the holy ones who have passed on to be with Jesus in Heaven are “dead.” )“
- No, no “the ones who have passed on to be with Jesus in Heaven are NOT “dead.” “
They are having a wonderful time in heaven with Jesus -— right now! But the issue is, are we supposed to contact the Saints in Heaven (pray to them, etc.)? And I see no evidence in scripture that is what we are to do.
My Dad is in heaven after being a Pastor for many years. I would love to contact him, but I see no evidence in scripture that such is possible until I meet him someday in heaven. Praise God, I will do that some day!
Cheers!