01/07/2022
A RESPOND TO THE ANTI-CATHOLIC WHO CRITICIZE THE CHURCH FOR THE INTERCESSION OF THE SAINTS AND FOR HAVING IMAGES IN THE CHURCH.
How many times do the Church and its members answers all this allegations specially the intercession of the saints and having statues inside the church.
Why do we need Intercession to the Saints, why not directly to God?And how can we explained 1 Tim.2:5?
As a Catholic, intercession to the saints was really our practice since the early church, but do you know that having intercession to the saints does not only starts in the early days of the church? Way back to the time of Moses, intercession was practice by the israelites. God doesn't answer the prayers of the wicked but he answers the prayers of the righteous(Prov.15:29). Since the israelites repeatedly sinning and because God doesn't answer their prayers, they will go to Moses to pray for them.(Num.21:7). And God answered the petitions of the Israelites through Moses.
Another one, when Eliphaz the Themanite lied to Job, God did not said to Eliphaz to Offer Him seven oxen and seven rams directly,instead he instruct Eliphaz to go to Job in order to forgive his sins.(Job.42:7-8).
Now, the question is, Why Eliphaz's offering does not directly to God? Why God did not allow him straight to offer seven oxem and seven rams in order to forgive his sins?
Because as I have said, God did not answer the prayers of the wicked, he answers only the prayers of the righteous(Prov.15:29), since Job is a righteous person(Job.1:1), therefore God answers Job's prayer.
Here's another scenario about intercession, The people ask to Samuel to pray for them that they will not die(1Sam.12:19).because of their sins, God did not heard their petitions. Now, why did the People go to Samuel to pray for them if it's possible to pray directly to God?. You see... Even in the Old testament, Intercession is practice by the israelites. Does the New testament teaches also intercessions just like the Old?
Let us read this simple verse
Romans 8:27 (KJV) And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the SAINTS ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD.
Through the help of the Holy Spirit intercession of the Saints is possible and it is the will of God.
Even Epaphras prayed to the servant of God that they may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God(Col.4:12). Even Saint Paul ask Prayers to the Church in Thessalonians (1Tess.5:25).
Now why do they need prayers to others instead they will pray directly to God?.
Because Prayer of the righteous is Effective(James.5:16) so then, we must pray each other inorder our prayers be effective to God.
Just like the Intercession to the Saints, we need them to pray for us inorder that our petitions might hear before God.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus is a righteous person(Luk.1:28) so therefore her intercession is possible and effective (James.5:16).
Now, let's proceed the issue regarding 1 Tim.2:5 if Jesus is the Only mediator between God and Man.
Yes, Jesus is the Only mediator between God and Man but not in Prayers, why? Let's just read verse 6, it says “Who gave himself a REDEMPTION for all, a testimony in due times.” So Jesus is the mediator between God and man through being the Savior and not in prayers. Now is it contrary in 1 Tim.2:5 for having Intercession? Actually No, infact if we read verse 1 it say's
“I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications,prayers, INTERCESSIONS,and thanksgivings be made for all men” See.. because Intercession is the will of God.
Let's come now, why the Catholic Have Images and Statues inside the Church? Does God forbid making images and statues?
First question, Why the Church have Images and Statues inside the Church?
Answer: First, God made images and Statues in his Temple (1King.6:27) because he wants to communicate through them (Exo.25:22), and His presence is their in the Images and Statues (Heb.9:4-5).so the church have Images and statues because the presence of God is there. But it doesn't mean that if there is no images and statues there is no God's presence, even without the Images and Statues there is always the presence of God, only the church Have this because it is God's will to do so( Exo.25:18-22).
Second Question, Does God forbid Making Images and Statues according to Exodus 20:3-4?
Answer: Yes and No,
Yes, He forbids Making Images and Statues if it is what we call "Idol" or False god.
No, Because God commanded Moses to make Cherubim and the Serpent (Exo.25:18-22,Num.21:8-9...)
That's all for now☺️
