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NASB | Hebrews 4:16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Hebrews 4:16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God's gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment]. |
Bible Question:
Hello, erm I know Jesus told us to pray to our Heavenly Father through his name, that is Jesus himself. This is mentioned in 1 Tim 2:5. Am I right that it is WRONG to pray to anyone eg Mary, Jesus' mother which the Catholic does as I was once a Catholic. Can you confirm this? |
Bible Answer: Christian 2003 - Nowhere does the Bible instruct believers in Christ to pray to anyone other than God. ....... Moreover, the Bible does not teach, encourage, or even mention, that believers should ask saints in heaven, Mary or anyone else, to be their "intercessors" before God. ....... What Scripture does teach however, and that quite clearly, is that believers can "come boldly (confidently) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16, KJV). ....... Believers have no need of a priest on earth or Mary and the saints in heaven to mediate for them, "for there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:15). When the Bible says there is one mediator, it stands to reason that it means one mediator. And if it means one mediator, then earthly priests and Mary and the other heavenly saints are excluded. They are in no sense mediators. There can't be more than one mediator if there is only one mediator. That seems plain enough for a child to understand. ........ Believers have no need at all for Mary and the saints to intercede for them before the Father, even if they were willing and able, and Scripture does not confirm either possibility. In Hebrews 7:25, speaking of Christ Jesus, the writer says, "He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them." ...... What blessed assurance the follower of Christ has! In Christ, and in Him alone, the regenerate believer has a Savior, a High Priest, a Mediator, and an Intercessor. --Hank |