Biblical Evidence for the Communion of Saints

by Dave Armstrong

Publisher:

Dave Armstrong

, 2012

This volume consists entirely of papers, essays, and dialogues originally posted on Dave Armstrong’s website and blog. Originally written between 1995 and 2011, they have been edited, revised, and combined in various ways, in order to clarify Armstrong’s thoughts and eliminate repetition. Most of the queries that Armstrong originally responded to came from the Protestant brethren in Christ. These dialogues afforded him the opportunity to defend and clarify what Catholics believe with regard to the communion of saints and to demonstrate that Catholic beliefs are in harmony with both the Holy Scriptures and the beliefs of the early Church. This volume’s 21 chapters cover many topics, including the invocation, intercession, and veneration of saints and angels, as well as images, idolatry, relics, purgatory, prayer for the dead, and “controversial” devotional practices. It is Dave Armstrong's hope and prayer that his ruminations along these lines may be edifying.

Contents

Top Highlights

“Intercession of the saints is indicated in Revelation 5:8 (cf. 8:3–4), 6:9–10, and also somewhat suggested by the appearance of long-dead figures on the earth once again (1 Sam 28:12–15; Matt 17:1–3; 27:50–53; Rev 11:3). The saints are alive, they observe us (‘cloud of witnesses’: Heb 12:1), pray for us (Rev 6:9–10), and hence it follows logically that they can hear our intercessory requests, as can guardian angels (Matt 18:10).” (Page 11)

“us, and if so, why wouldn’t God make it possible for them to hear our intercessory” (Page 11)

“Generally, when a Catholic says ‘I prayed to Saint So-and-So’ he means, ‘I asked Saint So-and-So to intercede’; so it is a question of semantics. Asking saints to pray is not the same as praying to them (in the sense of expecting them to actually answer the prayer). Yet 90% of the critics of Catholicism routinely refer to the doctrine as ‘prayer to saints’. Part of the confusion is that, for the Protestant, ‘prayer’ by definition means conversation with God only, whereas to the Catholic, it has a broader meaning: communication with those no longer on the earth.’” (Page 12)

“The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.” (Page 38)

“How do they know this? It’s because they observe the earth. When we die we’ll be in a higher state than angels (1 Cor 6:3), so we will have knowledge as they do, given to us by God. Omniscience has nothing to do with it. A being need not have that capability in order to hear a prayer. Saints are outside of time because they are in eternity. Therefore they can hear millions of prayers, since time is not a barrier.” (Page 17)

Product Details

• Title: Biblical Evidence for the Communion of Saints
• Author: Dave Armstrong
• Publisher: Dave Armstrong
• Print Publication Date: 2012
• Logos Release Date: 2012
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Communion of saints › Biblical teaching
• Resource ID: LLS:BBLCLVDNCCMMNNS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-25T19:11:04Z

About Dave Armstrong

David Armstrong is a Catholic apologist and author (convert from evangelical Protestantism in 1991). His conversion story is in Surprised by Truth (1994). He has been published in The Catholic Answer, This Rock, Envoy, and other periodicals. His many radio appearances include “Catholic Answers Live” and “Faith & Family Live.”