We know from Scripture that when we get to heaven, we will "be like angels". In fact, it is Scripturally stated that we will see things which Angels would long to know! So, now I come to you with question:

In Johns Revelation we see the Angels lifting up the insense, which are the prayers of the saints, to God. So it is Angels who recieve our prayers and present them before God. Of course we all know that Jesus is the one mediator between God and man, but this is not in contradiction. Jesus is the ONE person who brought God and man together! And it is through Jesus that our prayers are heard by God.

However, it is apperant Scripturally that Angles are the ones who present our prayers to God. This indicates that they hear our prayers too!

Also, in the Book of Tobit (which was taken out of the Bible, along with 6.5 others):

Tob. 12:15, I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels who present the prayers of the saints and enter into the presence of the glory of the Holy One."

So, here we have it again! There are angels who hear our prayers and present them to God.

Therefore, my question is this - If there are angels who hear our prayers and present them to God, and if we are to become like angels (and in fact know things that they don't), then why is it that many Protestants argue that those in Heaven (particularly Mary) cannot hear our prayers!?

In Christ.

-- SERGIO DUTRA (SERGIO@AOL.COM), February 11, 2003

Answers

Response to We know from Scripture that when we get to heaven, we will "be like angels". In fact, it is Scripturally stated that we will see things which Angels would long to know!

Because they don't understand the immense difference between mediation and intercession. Jesus is the only mediator, for the very reason you mentioned - He restored the relationship between God and rebellious men, which is what mediation means. Angels, saints, and we ourselves simply offer prayer to God on behalf of others, which is what intercession means, and which has absolutely nothing to do with mediation.

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), February 12, 2003.

Response to We know from Scripture that when we get to heaven, we will "be like angels". In fact, it is Scripturally stated that we will see things which Angels would long to know!

We know from Scripture that when we get to heaven, we will "be like angels".

...but we don't know if we'll get to Heaven. That should be our concern above all.

-- jake (jake1@pngusa.net), February 12, 2003.

Response to We know from Scripture that when we get to heaven, we will "be like angels". In fact, it is Scripturally stated that we will see things which Angels would long to know!

Don't worry, Jake, when I get there I'll pull you up the rest of the way. ;-)

-- Christine L. :-) (christine_lehman@hotmail.com), February 12, 2003.

Response to We know from Scripture that when we get to heaven, we will "be like angels". In fact, it is Scripturally stated that we will see things which Angels would long to know!

Don't worry, Jake, when I get there I'll pull you up the rest of the way.

CL, that's the nicest thing anyone's said to me in a long time. You truly made my day.

-- jake (jake1@pngusa.net), February 12, 2003.

Response to We know from Scripture that when we get to heaven, we will "be like angels". In fact, it is Scripturally stated that we will see things which Angels would long to know!

Angels are a theme, from Genesis to Revelation. Angels guarded the garden (greek paradise). Angels told about the destruction of Sodom and Omora (in Hebrew) ( Gomorra in Greek). Angels led them out of Egypt. There was an angel of death. An angel announced the birth of Samson, the birth of Jesus, the birth of John the baptist.... There were angels before Jesus who were already interceding for people before God. After Jesus came, as the mediator of a new covenant, he alloows more people to get closer to God.

The Pope should have used our friend Paul from the forum when they decided to make Mary comediatrix, since only Jesus can be a mediator. I accept Mary and the angels as intercessors. The intercessor can ask for forgiveness. The Son can grant forgiveness. There are degrees of angels. Some are close to God just like Jesus. Yet, they don't serve the function of mediators like Jesus, because he paid the price.

-- Elpidio Gonzalez (egonzalez@srla.org), February 13, 2003.

Response to We know from Scripture that when we get to heaven, we will "be like angels". In fact, it is Scripturally stated that we will see things which Angels would long to know!

The Catholic Church does not profess that Mary is mediatrix or co- mediatrix with Jesus, although there are some Catholics who are pushing for this. The Church holds to the belief that Mary was saved by the death and resurrection of Jesus just like the rest of us.

-- Michael (aff.stanthony@comcast.net), September 18, 2003.

Response to We know from Scripture that when we get to heaven, we will "be like angels". In fact, it is Scripturally stated that we will see things which Angels would long to know!

Jmj
You are mistaken, Anthony.

The new Catechism quotes article 62 of Vatican II's "Lumen gentium" (the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church), as follows:

"969. 'This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace continues uninterruptedly from the consent which she loyally gave at the Annunciation and which she sustained without wavering beneath the cross, until the eternal fulfilment of all the elect. Taken up to heaven she did not lay aside this saving office but by her manifold intercession continues to bring us the gifts of eternal salvation .... Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.' [LG 62]"

Anthony, in using the term "Mediatrix," the Church is not saying that she performs co-mediation between mankind and God the Father. Rather, the Church is saying that
(1) Mary is, for us, a mediator or intercessor with her son, Jesus, the sole mediator with the Father ... and that
(2) she is, for us, a mediatrix or "channel" of the graces that Jesus chooses to bestow on us.

God bless you.
John

-- J. F. Gecik (jfgecik@hotmail.com), September 18, 2003.

well anything you whant god will make a way for every body if you really whant it and if you pray.

2 every body miranda:)

-- miranda jordan mercer (MBratt1209@aol.com), April 15, 2004.