RE: "Do you pray for the dead?" ~ Ruminations on God's Sovereignty Over Time
It's too bad that you've discarded the truth to embrace error. You come from a Baptist background so you should have a proper understand of scripture. The passage in Hebrews says it all:
(Hebrews 9:27-28 NIV) Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, {28} so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
It's a waste of time to pray for the dead. Their fate is sealed. It's also a waste of time to pray for the salvation of lost people. Share the gospel with them if they're willing to listen. People have free will. There isn't a single person in hell because nobody prayed for them. Neither is there a single person in heaven because many people prayed for them. It would be a gross injustice for the prayers of other people to impact the salvation of anyone. Salvation is between a person and God. Period.
Hello, @barncat,
Thank you for stopping by to comment.
Paul does not agree with you.
"Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved."
- Romans 10:1
Our LORD disagrees with you.
"“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”"
- Luke 22:31-32
Seriously?
"But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. And have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh."
- Jude 20-23