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What Does the Bible Say About Praying to the Dead? – Viral Believer
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What Does the Bible Say About Praying to the Dead?

Introduction

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. It is the means by which believers communicate with God and seek His guidance, comfort, and provision. However, the issue of praying to the dead is a controversial one among Christians.

While some believe it is permissible to pray to the saints and the dead for intercession, others view this as a form of idolatry that goes against the teachings of the Bible. Understanding what the Bible says about praying to the dead is essential for Christians to know how to approach this topic.

The topic of praying to the dead has been a subject of debate for centuries. Different denominations and individuals have varying beliefs and practices when it comes to this issue. However, as Christians, it is crucial to turn to the Bible as the ultimate authority on matters of faith and practice.

In this blog post, we will examine what the Bible says about praying to the dead, exploring both Old and New Testament views on the subject, as well as the Catholic perspective.

The aim of this blog post is not to criticize or attack any particular denomination or belief but to offer a biblical perspective on the issue of praying to the dead.

By exploring what the Bible says about this topic, we can better understand how to approach prayer and worship in a way that is pleasing to God. Let us rely on the Bible as our guide and seek to live in obedience to God’s will and His word.

praying for the dead in the Bible

Old Testament Views on Praying to the Dead

In the Old Testament, death and the afterlife were viewed differently from in the New Testament. The Old Testament emphasizes the finality of death and the fact that the dead cannot interact with the living (Ecclesiastes 9:5-6).

Therefore, the idea of praying to the dead would have been foreign to the Hebrews. There are instances where it seems like people were praying to the dead, such as in 1 Samuel 28 when Saul consulted a medium to summon the spirit of Samuel. However, this act was condemned by God (Deuteronomy 18:10-12).

Deuteronomy 18:10-12 says,

“There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter pass through the fire, or one who practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord.”

It is clear from the Old Testament that praying to the dead is not a practice that was condoned or encouraged.

New Testament Views on Praying to the Dead

The New Testament views death and the afterlife differently than the Old Testament. Jesus taught that there is a resurrection and a judgment, where people will be rewarded or punished based on their actions (John 5:28-29).

However, there are no instances in the New Testament that suggest praying to the dead. In Revelation 5:8, the prayers of the saints are described as being offered to God through the Lamb, not through the saints who have died.

Revelation 5:8 says, “Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”

Therefore, the Bible does not support the idea of praying to the dead in the New Testament.

The Catholic View on Praying to the Dead

The Catholic Church teaches that it is permissible to pray to the saints for intercession. They believe that the saints can hear the prayers of the living and intercede on their behalf.

The basis for this belief is the “communion of saints” described in the Apostles’ Creed. The idea of the “communion of saints” is that all believers, living and dead, are united in the Body of Christ.

However, this belief is not supported by Scripture. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to come directly to God with their prayers, not to seek intercession from others.

Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Furthermore, Jesus is the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Praying to the dead is a form of necromancy, which is forbidden in the Bible (Leviticus 19:31).

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of the Old and New Testaments, it is clear that praying to the dead is not a practice that is condoned by God.

While the Catholic Church teaches the practice of praying to the saints, there is no biblical basis for this belief. As Christians, we are encouraged to come directly to God with our prayers, seeking His guidance and provision in all things.

It is essential to note that the belief in praying to the dead is not limited to Catholicism. Some Protestant churches and individuals also practice this belief, despite the lack of biblical support.

It is important to evaluate all beliefs and practices against the standard of the Bible and not blindly follow traditions or popular practices.

One of the dangers of praying to the dead is that it can lead to idolatry. When we elevate the saints or the dead to a position of equal or greater importance than God, we are committing idolatry. The Bible warns against idolatry repeatedly (Exodus 20:3-5, 1 Corinthians 10:14).

Another danger of praying to the dead is that it can take our focus away from the true source of power and help in our lives, which is God.

It can be tempting to turn to the saints or the dead because they may seem more accessible or sympathetic. However, God is the only one who has the power to answer our prayers and provide the help we need.

In conclusion, the Bible does not support the practice of praying to the dead. As Christians, we should come directly to God with our prayers, seeking His guidance and provision in all things. We must evaluate all beliefs and practices against the standard of the Bible and not blindly follow traditions or popular practices.

Praying to the dead can lead to idolatry and take our focus away from the true source of power and help in our lives, which is God. Let us rely on the Bible as the ultimate authority on matters of faith and practice, seeking to live in obedience to God’s will and His word.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.