Is the intercession of saints supported by ‎the Bible?‎

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The question of whether the intercession of saints is biblical arises from differing scriptural interpretations. Some Christians maintain that prayer should be directed only to God through Jesus Christ, while others believe that saints, being spiritually alive, can intercede on behalf of the faithful.

Pope Shenouda III distinguishes between:

  • Atoning intercession – exclusive to Christ who “gave Himself a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:6).
  • Supplicatory intercession – prayers offered by saints on behalf of others.

1. The Saints Are Alive with God

A foundational belief in saintly intercession is that death does not sever believers from God. Scriptural support includes:

  • “He is not the God of the dead, but of the living” – Luke 20:38
  • “Neither death nor life… will be able to separate us from the love of God” – Romans 8:38–39

This indicates that saints remain alive in spirit and united in prayer with the Church.

2. Intercession Among the Living Supports Heavenly Intercession

Scripture encourages believers to intercede for each other:

  • “Pray for one another so that you may be healed” – James 5:16
  • “Supplications, prayers, and intercessions… be made for all people” – 1 Timothy 2:1

If living believers are called to intercede, it’s reasonable to believe saints in heaven do the same.

3. Old Testament Examples of Intercession

The Bible offers numerous instances of righteous intercession:

  • Abraham interceded for Sodom – Genesis 18:23–33
  • Moses pleaded for Israel – Exodus 32:11–14
  • Job prayed for his friends – Job 42:8–9

These show that God honors the prayers of the righteous for others.

4. Intercession in the Book of Revelation

Heavenly intercession appears clearly in Revelation:

  • “Another angel… was given much incense to offer with the prayers of the saints” – Revelation 8:3–4
  • “Golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” – Revelation 5:8

Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty explains that incense here symbolizes saintly prayers rising to God.

5. The Saints’ Favor with God

God honors the memory and intercession of His saints:

  • “For the sake of my servant David” – 1 Kings 11:13
  • “For the sake of Abraham” – Genesis 26:24

These phrases suggest a lasting relationship between the saints and God that benefits others.

6. The Coptic Church’s Practice of Intercession

Intercession is woven into Coptic liturgy and worship:

  • Mention of saints in the Litany of Mercy during the Divine Liturgy
  • Daily hymns honoring saints like the Virgin Mary, apostles, and martyrs
  • Anba Gregory calls intercession “a declaration of faith in the one, militant, and victorious Church.”

Conclusion

The intercession of saints is not a mere tradition but a biblically and theologically grounded Orthodox doctrine. It expresses the unity of the Church in Christ—across time and space—bound by love, prayer, and resurrection hope.

 

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