Topic 2 of 11
One mediator between God and people
Scripture says there is one mediator, Christ Jesus. The Catechism agrees that Christ's mediation is unique, and also calls Mary Advocate, Helper, Benefactress and Mediatrix. Here are both, side by side.
Where Catholics and Protestants agree
Both say Jesus Christ is the one intercessor with the Father, and that every grace comes through Him.
He is the one intercessor with the Father on behalf of all men, especially sinners.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2634 · official text
5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
1 Timothy 2:5 (WEB) · context
25Therefore he is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, seeing that he lives forever to make intercession for them.
Hebrews 7:25 (WEB) · context
What the Catechism teaches about Mary
The Catechism says Mary continues to intercede for believers and is invoked with titles that include Mediatrix, while insisting that this takes nothing away from Christ.
Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress, and Mediatrix.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 969 · official text
Mary's function as mother of men in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather shows its power.
Catechism of the Catholic Church, 970 · official text
What Scripture says
Scripture gives the title Advocate to Jesus Christ, and it invites every believer to come straight to God through Him, with confidence. Nowhere does it teach believers to pray to Mary or to anyone in heaven other than God.
1My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.
1 John 2:1 (WEB) · context
14Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold tightly to our confession. 15For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. 16Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (WEB) · context
6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.
John 14:6 (WEB) · context
23“In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
John 16:23 (WEB) · context
How Catholics answer
Catholics answer that asking Mary to pray for us is like asking a friend to pray, and that Christians are told to pray for one another.
16Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.
James 5:16 (WEB) · context
What Scripture answers
Scripture does tell living believers to pray for each other. It never tells us to pray to those who have died, and it gives us direct access to the Father through the Son. We do not need another advocate: we have Jesus Christ, the righteous.
1My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous.
1 John 2:1 (WEB) · context
The good news
Saved by grace, through faith, in Christ
Salvation is God's free gift to everyone who trusts Jesus Christ alone.