Mary certainly died. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:22, “…in Adam all die…” Since Mary was part of the Adamic race, she did die. The last mention of her in the Bible does confirm that she continued as a believer with other Christians in the early church. Acts 1:14, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.”
The worship of Mary by Catholics began in the early 400’s. They see her as a pathway to Jesus, a sympathetic listener and giver of graces. In their strictest doctrine, Mary is not seen as a deity but as a “Queen of Heaven” to bring petitions to God and Jesus. Sadly, this is not in agreement with what the Bible teaches. We are instructed that the only correct way to pray to God is through Jesus. John 14:6, “…no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” 1 Timothy 2:5, “…one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.”
It should be noted that although Catholic doctrine does not give Mary God-like status, many Catholic traditions and individuals do pray to her and look for miracles through Mary. Might not this be considered a form of idol worship? God tells us in Leviticus 26:1, “Ye shall make you no idols nor graven images, neither rear you up a standing image, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land, to bow down unto it: for I am the LORD your God.” In the New Testament, we are told to keep away from idols: 1 John 5:21, “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
We, sinners, know we are guilty, and it scares us to come before the Holy God of the Universe. This is a correct feeling. That’s why God provided a Savior for us. Jesus loved us so much that He died for us. We don’t need Mary to intercede for us with our wonderful Savior! So, let’s follow the Bible’s instructions and pray to God through the merit of Jesus Christ. “Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.” John 14:13 (NASB)
