Occasionally, you hear a grieving person say that heaven has gained an angel, referring to whoever they lost through death. With this perception, many people believe that their departed ones in heaven usually pray for them, as they are now closer to God. However, “do our loved ones in heaven pray for us?”
It is still unclear whether loved ones in heaven can pray on behalf of the living, as no scripture directly talks about this topic. However, several bible scholars have speculated that our loved ones can pray for us, while some have denied this. Each group of these religious scholars has used different scriptures to support their arguments, and we will be looking at both.
So, does the Bible confirm that people in heaven are praying for us? Do the martyrs in heaven pray for us? Does Jesus intercede for us in heaven? Stick around to learn the answers to these questions.
Does the Bible confirm that people in heaven are praying for us?
As mentioned earlier, no scripture in the Bible confirms that our loved ones in heaven usually pray for us, leaving this topic debatable. Some bible scholars imply that our loved ones in heaven pray for us, as they are closer to God than the living.
To support their arguments, these scholars have used several verses in the book of Revelation and Luke to argue that our loved ones have the power to pray for us.
In Revelation 5:8, the Bible talks about the four living creatures and the 24 four elders who fell before the lamb, holding the prayers of the saints as they worshipped with them; “And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”
Some religious leaders use this verse to imply that the saints mentioned could represent the people on earth, and the twenty-four elders and the living creatures were praying for them before Jesus. However, we cannot conclude that this implication might be true, as the saints mentioned could have represented the prayers of those already in heaven.
The second scripture that the bible scholars use to suggest that our loved ones in heaven pray for us is Luke 15:10 when Jesus describes the joy that is usually in heaven when one sinner repents;
In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.
Some theologians have used the above scripture to suggest that the one rejoicing might be our loved ones in heaven, as their prayers have been finally answered. They argue that our loved ones know us better, to pray to God for our weaknesses so we might get saved.
On the other hand, a section of religious scholars firmly speculates that our loved ones in heaven do not pray for us, as Jesus is the only one that can intercede on our behalf. Romans 8:34 says, “Who is he that he condemns? Christ Jesus, who died more than that and was raised to live, is at God’s right hand and is also interceding for us?”
Through this scripture, Bible scholars speculate that there is no need for our fellow human beings to pray for us, as Jesus is doing his job perfectly. Additionally, these scholars support their argument by quoting the book of 1st Timothy 2:5, which clearly states that there is no other mediator between God and man than Jesu Christ. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.’’ With this, religious scholars strongly believe no one else has the grace or the authority to mediate between God and men, not even those in heaven.
Hebrews 7:25 also states, “Therefore he can save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Do the martyrs in heaven pray for us?
According to the scriptures, martyrs can pray for the living, as seen in Revelations 6:10. When the fifth seal was opened, the martyrs who had died because of the word of God were seen begging God to end the killing that was happening on earth.
Revelations 6:9-10 records, When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the alter the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained. They said loudly, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?’
The scripture clearly shows that the martyrs did not like what was going on, on the earth and questioned God about how long the killings would last, implying that they wanted it to stop and the people to be forgiven. However, God did not answer their plea immediately and instructed them to wait a little longer.
Revelations 6:11; “Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had was completed.” Although God did not answer them immediately, he considered their prayers by telling them to wait a little longer.
Does Jesus intercede for us in heaven?
Several scriptures in the Bible agree that Jesus intercedes for us in heaven, as he is the only perfect man with no sin. Hebrews 4:15; “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet was without sin.
Additionally, Jesus’ work of saving humankind was not finished with his earthly mission, as he revealed that he would be in heaven preparing rooms for those saved. This shows that he still cares for his people and works to ensure that all the righteous enter heaven.
Below are several bible scriptures that show that Jesus intercedes for his people in heaven. 1st John 2:1 says, “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
Romans 5:10 states, “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”
Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to intercede for them.”
Romans 8:34 records, “Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died more than that, who was raised to life, is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
Acts 4:12 states, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” This scripture in the Bible implies that we cannot be saved by anyone else on earth, as God did not give anyone else the power to bring salvation to his people. We should note that although they are now in heaven, our loved ones were once human beings and did not receive authority from God.
References
- Can people in heaven pray for us?
- Do People Now in Heaven Pray for Those on Earth?
- Do People in Heaven Pray for Those on Earth?
- What is the purpose of Jesus interceding for us in heaven?
- What does it mean that Jesus is interceding for us in heaven?
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
