Is it biblical to ask saints or Mary to intercede on our behalf?

The question of whether it is biblical to ask saints or Mary to intercede on our behalf is one that has been debated among Christians for centuries. From a non-denominational Christian perspective, it is essential to examine the Scriptures and understand the principles of prayer and intercession as laid out in the Bible.

To begin with, the practice of intercessory prayer is well-established in Scripture. Intercessory prayer involves praying on behalf of others, and it is a significant aspect of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently requests prayers from others and assures them of his prayers for them. For instance, in 1 Timothy 2:1, Paul writes, "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people." This passage underscores the importance of intercession in the life of a believer.

However, the specific question at hand is whether it is appropriate or biblical to ask saints or Mary to intercede for us. To address this, we need to consider the role of Jesus Christ as our mediator and the biblical teachings regarding the saints.

The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus Christ is our sole mediator before God. In 1 Timothy 2:5, Paul states, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus." This verse is pivotal because it emphasizes that Jesus is the only mediator who stands between humanity and God. He is uniquely qualified for this role because of His sacrificial death and resurrection, which reconciled us to God (Hebrews 9:15).

Furthermore, Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages believers to approach God directly through Jesus Christ: "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This passage reinforces the idea that believers can confidently approach God through Jesus, our high priest.

While the New Testament does not explicitly mention asking saints or Mary to intercede for us, it does speak about the communion of saints. The term "saints" in the New Testament refers to all believers, those who are set apart by God. Paul often addresses his letters to the saints in various cities (e.g., Romans 1:7, 1 Corinthians 1:2). The concept of the communion of saints suggests a spiritual unity among all believers, both living and deceased, through their union with Christ.

In Hebrews 12:1, the writer speaks of being surrounded by "a great cloud of witnesses," referring to the faithful who have gone before us. This imagery evokes the sense of a spiritual connection with those who have lived lives of faith. However, the text does not suggest that these witnesses are actively interceding on our behalf or that we should seek their intercession.

The practice of asking saints or Mary to intercede is more prevalent in certain Christian traditions, particularly within the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. These traditions hold that saints, being in the presence of God, can intercede for us. The Catholic Church, for instance, teaches that Mary, as the mother of Jesus, has a special role in intercession due to her unique relationship with her Son.

However, from a non-denominational Christian perspective, the emphasis remains on the direct access believers have to God through Jesus Christ. The New Testament encourages believers to pray for one another (James 5:16) and assures us that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:26-27). These assurances highlight the sufficiency of Christ's mediation and the active role of the Holy Spirit in our prayer lives.

It is also important to consider the potential theological implications of seeking the intercession of saints or Mary. One concern is that it might inadvertently diminish the unique and all-sufficient role of Jesus as our mediator. The New Testament consistently points believers to Jesus as the one through whom we have access to the Father (John 14:6). By focusing on Jesus' mediation, we honor His work on the cross and His ongoing intercession for us at the right hand of God (Hebrews 7:25).

Additionally, the practice of asking saints or Mary to intercede is not explicitly supported by Scripture. While the Bible encourages believers to pray for one another and acknowledges the spiritual unity of the body of Christ, it does not provide a clear basis for seeking the intercession of those who have passed away. Instead, the New Testament directs believers to rely on Jesus and the Holy Spirit for their intercessory needs.

In summary, from a non-denominational Christian perspective, it is not considered biblical to ask saints or Mary to intercede on our behalf. The Bible emphasizes Jesus Christ as our sole mediator and encourages believers to approach God directly through Him. While the communion of saints highlights the spiritual unity of all believers, the New Testament does not provide a clear basis for seeking the intercession of those who have passed away. Instead, believers are encouraged to pray for one another and rely on the Holy Spirit's intercession. By focusing on Jesus' mediation, we honor His unique role in our relationship with God and the sufficiency of His work on our behalf.