[HiTech RedNeck]

Besides, Jesus didn't pray for Lazarus specifically at all.

"Laz'-a-rus, come forth." (John 11:43, KJV)

It is true that this is not a prayer for salvation. However nothing seems to indicate that it is impossible that Lazarus believed and was saved after he was resuscitated (certainly it would be a dramatic witness to Lazarus himself). So by extension could it be possible for a message of salvation to be transmitted to Lazarus' soul while it was in the "wherever" between his first death and his resuscitation? The Bible does not really address itself to this question.

[agrace]

First of all, talking to Lazarus and praying for him are two different things. And the Bible does address the issue of Lazarus' salvation. It seems to me it's pretty clear that he already believed in Jesus. Martha said that she KNEW he would rise again at the last day - she seems pretty sure of her brother's salvation to me, and Jesus does not contradict her. In fact, in response, Jesus says to Martha - "he who believes in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live," and that "he who believes in Me shall never die." Jesus is explaining to Martha that her brother has not died and will never die, therefore, it stands to reason that Lazarus is already a believer.