Expert: Edward Bode - 7/24/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello and thankyou for taking my question. In Nehemiah 1:6, Nehemiah prays and asks God to forgive the sins of himself AND the sins of his people. Is it theologically possible to ask for forgiveness of someone elses's sins" (I am thinking of the catholic doctrine of purgatory, confession,etc and so on), or is Nehemiah just practicing a theologically "Incorrect," believe of his time? Could you please explain this prayer. Thanks.

ANSWER: I understand the prayer as one in which Nehemiah views his people as the chosen people, who to a great extent have failed to do the will the Lord.  He sees the people as joined together under the covenant and so prays for all of his fellow members. His understanding of solidarity also appears in the teaching of Jesus -- see for example, John, where Jesus refers to himself as the vine and his followers as the branches; also, Paul speaks of Jesus as the head of the body, His church, of which his followers are members.
For eons, Christians have been praying for themselves and for others.  The basis comes from the solidarity of faith and spiritual unity.
I am not aware of theologians who relate the Nehemaiah passage to purgatory or confession, which have other bases in the Old and the New Testament.
If you would like more from me, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Ward.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi - Firstly, I want to thank you for answering my first question and inviting me to ask another. I guess now that I have been thinking about it, my question really is this: Was Nehemiah (and can we) pray for forgiveness for others? I know we can pray that another would "Turn," to the Lord and we could pray that they get saved or stop sinning = but do we, or Nehemia for that matter, have any power in asking God to forgive the sins of another? Can we pray for the forgiveness of others - why/why not? Thanks - I appreciate your help

Answer
Was Nehemiah praying for forgiveness or repentance?  The cry of the devout among the returned exiles was for conversion to the Lord.  So, I would suspect that was the intent of his prayer.
I'm sure we can pray for forgiveness of others.  However, traditionally, such prayers have been directed to the conversion of others.  Theologically, I would think that God could forgive without repentance; however, I know of no revelation that proclaims such a position.  Rather, scripture calls for repentance -- a change of mind, among other things.
My words probably do not solve your question.  However, I know not what else to say at this time on your current question.
Best wishes, Ward