Mary, The Mediatrix?
Categories: Bible Study LessonsCatholicism teaches, referring to Mary, “To thee we lift our prayers, for thou art the Mediatrix, powerful at once and pitiful, of our salvation” (cf. Catholic Encyclopedia). Such an affirmation exalts Mary to the same plateau as Jesus, for they call her “The Mother of God” (cf. Catholic Encyclopedia). Their attempts to deify Mary contradicts clear Bible teaching. Praying to Mary in the role of mediator between man and Christ contradicts other biblical passages (cf. Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24). Jesus taught that we are to pray to the Father through Him (John 14:13-14). Furthermore, our salvation is by the authority of Jesus, not Mary (Matthew 1:21; Matthew 28:18; Acts 4:10-12; Acts 10:43).
If Mary is a “mediatrix” (female mediator) and is to be worshiped as “the Mother of God,” Catholics must affirm the “perpetual virginity” of Mary. This position contradicts Matthew 13:55,56, which states that Jesus had both brethren and sisters. Notice also Matthew 1:24,25, “Joseph…took unto him his wife; and knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born son.” After Jesus was born, Joseph knew (had sexual relationship with) Mary, his wife; hence, the idea of “perpetual virginity” is a fabrication of Catholicism. Claiming Mary as a “mediatrix” also contradicts 1 Timothy 2:5, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.” Paul here affirms there is “one God” and “one mediator.” Logically, if there can be more than one mediator, then there can also be more than one God.
Worship phrases pertaining to Mary such as “Holy Mother of God” (cf. Catholic Encyclopedia), “Most Pure Heart Of Mary” (cf. Catholic Encyclopedia), etc., exalt and deify the created rather than The Creator (see Romans 1:25). Expressions of exaltation belong to God, The Creator, not to the woman who was a part of creation (Genesis 1:17; Genesis 5:2).
There is but one Savior (John 4:42; 1 John 4:14); one Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5); one Lord (Ephesians 4:5); and one Advocate (1 John 2:1) – Jesus Christ, “the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16; John 6:69). He shares His place with no one. And, to attempt to give his place, in any form, to a human is blasphemy. The real question is, do you accept the inspired Scriptures as authoritative (cf. Gal. 1:11-12; Ephesians 3:1-3; 2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21) or the false teachings of the Catholic Church?