Seeking the Living Among the Dead.

     Millions of Roman Catholics around the world elevate Mary. She has been given the role of a go-between, an advocate with God, on the behalf of mankind. She is implored to "Pray for us sinners, now, and in the hour of our death."
     Lets take a look at this however, and see if this is biblical or not, as millions of souls are depending on her intercession for them.
     We read in Exodus 20:3-5, and Deuteronomy 5:7-10, that to hold to any other gods other than the God revealed in scripture, is forbidden. We are not to make an idol or an image to worship or serve. there is one God only, and He deserves our worship, and only to Him are we to submit our lives in service. Where does this leave Mary, as she was human, and not divine? We see throughout scripture the unfolding of the trinity, or the fact that God exists as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but no where do we read that Mary is part of the Godhead. It is not "Father, Son, And Mary", as has been taught by some.
     Mary is referred to as the Mother of God. In the sense of Jesus Christ taking on flesh, this would be true. However, Jesus existed as God from eternity past. He has always been, and always will be (John 1:1-3). He was never created, so to call Mary the mother of God would not be entirely true, in fact it implies that she is greater than God, that He proceeded from her. She was the willing handmaid (Luke 1:38) of the Lord, whom God chose to bear His Son, Jesus, when He became flesh (John 1:14). The word "Handmaid" describes someone who gave up their rights and plans for the will of God. It is used biblically of one who was surrendered to God, and lived out that surrender in their daily life. This is the exact opposite of the elevated view of Mary that many hold.
     You will never find a scripture that supports the view that Mary is a mediator, or a co-redeemer. This is a grave error, that has led to the eternal loss of millions of souls throughout history. You cannot find the living (Jesus-eternal life) among the dead (through prayer to Mary, or any other "saint").
     The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. There is no other way to the Father, but through Him (John 14:6). It is in vain that mere departed humans are implored for mercy. They have no ability to intercede with God on our behalf. This was the problem with the Levitical priesthood under the old covenant. The priests were subject to death, and had to be replaced. We are told that Christ lives forevermore to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:23-25). He is a perfect High Priest who is able to save to the uttermost those who come to HIM. He is our advocate (1 John 2:1). It is through Him we confess our sins, and find mercy. There is one God, and ONE mediator between God and men, The man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5). That is as plain and simple as it gets. Jesus is the only way, and it is through Him that we approach the Father. It is through Him that we can boldly come to the throne of grace to receive mercy and help in time of need (Heb 4:16).
     All have sinned the Bible tells us (Romans 3:23). This includes Mary. She also needed a Savior. She recognized this fact when she said " My spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior" (Luke 1:47). None of us have the ability to redeem another, including Mary. Jesus only was sinless, from birth, and throughout His life. He only has the ability to save. Salvation is not found in any other name. It was Jesus who gave His life on the cruel cross. He died for our sins, and was risen, that we too might be raised up in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Christ was conceived by the Holy Spirit, through Mary. She gave birth to Jesus so that He, as the God-man, could offer Himself for us. This is the extent of her involvement in the redemption of mankind.
     There is no scriptural basis for any doctrine that declares Mary was sinless, or that she lives to intercede for us, or that she only is able to obtain mercy from Christ. These doctrines are only the traditions of men, and have no scriptural merit. If you desire mercy, it can only be found in Christ, nowhere else.

     See also Mary Worship