Q. I attended a funeral in which the priest said the departed would be interceding in prayer for his family in heaven. Please explain about the departed being an intercessor. — P.G., North Miami Beach
A. This isn’t a teaching that we find in God’s Word. The Bible declares that there is only one person in heaven who actually intercedes on our behalf:
“For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus” (I Timothy 2:5).
As the only perfect “God-Man” to have ever lived, Jesus is able to represent mankind perfectly before a perfect God. With all due respect, no one else is qualified to intercede for us in heaven because everyone else needs Jesus to represent himself or herself.
Q. Our Catholic daughter is married to a wonderful Protestant man. He is very adamant that anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will not go to heaven. We believe that God is loving and merciful, and anyone who lives a good life following the laws of God would spend eternity in heaven. Your views on this, please. — R. Foy, Davie
A. It doesn’t make sense if Jesus isn’t absolutely necessary for salvation. The night before his crucifixion, Jesus even prayed to be spared from the cross if there were any other way for man to be saved (Matthew 26:39). By not answering this prayer, God reinforced the fact that Jesus’ death was essential for salvation.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6).
Ask your questions about ethics, morals or faith in everyday life in care of James D. Davis, Religion Editor, Sun-Sentinel, 200 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, or via e-mail to . Please include your name, or at least initials, plus your city and a daytime phone number.
