Sarah Mitchell
According to Catholic doctrine, the saints in heaven are not disconnected from those on Earth but remain intimately involved in the life of the Church. Abraham and Moses are both considered saints in heaven, with Moses' soul believed to be in the Bosom of the Patriarchs, and Abraham's Bosom, synonymous with Christian Heaven, is where the righteous dead await judgment day. Both Abraham and Moses are also said to have interceded on behalf of the people, with Moses and Elijah seen at the transfiguration of Jesus.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Are Abraham and Moses in heaven? | It is unclear if Abraham and Moses are in heaven. |
| Are Abraham and Moses saints? | In Western Christian tradition, Old Testament persons are not referred to as saints. However, it is acknowledged that certain Old Testament figures are considered to be among the saints of heaven. |
| Are Abraham and Moses prophets? | Yes, Abraham and Moses are prophets. |
| Is Moses in heaven before Christ? | No man went to heaven before Jesus. |
| Is Moses in heaven after his death? | Moses' soul was in the Bosom of the Patriarchs with the rest of the righteous dead. |
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What You'll Learn
- Abraham's Bosom: a place of comfort in Sheol/Hades where the righteous dead await redemption
- Abraham received righteousness, becoming holy and sin-free through his faith
- Moses' Assumption: the belief that Moses' body was taken into heaven post-death
- Moses' heavenly status: his appearance with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration
- Moses in Paradise: the belief that Moses went to Paradise before Christ's resurrection
Abraham's Bosom: a place of comfort in Sheol/Hades where the righteous dead await redemption
The concept of Abraham's Bosom is found in both Judaism and Christianity, referring to a place of comfort in the biblical Sheol or Hades (Greek Septuagint version of Hebrew scriptures from around 200 BC) where the righteous dead await redemption. The Greek word "kolpos" or "bosom" means "lap" or "bay", relating to the Second Temple period practice of reclining and eating meals with guests, with the closest guest lying on the host's bosom or chest.
In the New Testament, the phrase "Abraham's Bosom" occurs only once, in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 16:19-31). Lazarus, who is carried by angels to Abraham's Bosom after death, is contrasted with the rich man who ends up in Hades. This account corresponds with 1st-century AD Jewish beliefs that the dead were gathered into a general tarrying place, equivalent to Sheol in the Old Testament. Christ's account, however, depicts the righteous and wicked in separate abodes, divided by a chasm.
The concept of Abraham's Bosom has been interpreted differently by various Christian traditions. Tertullian and early Church Fathers described Abraham's Bosom as a section of Hades or a limbo where the righteous dead awaited Judgment Day or the resurrection of Christ. This interpretation has been preserved by Eastern Orthodoxy and Oriental Orthodoxy, distinguishing it from heaven. However, in Western Catholic tradition, "Abraham's Bosom" has become synonymous with Heaven or the Intermediate state, where the righteous are immediately introduced upon their death.
The Eastern Orthodox teaching, as explained by Fr. Daniel Sysoev, St. John Chrysostom, and St. John of Damascus, holds that after Christ's resurrection, the souls of the righteous go directly to Paradise, separate from Sheol/Hades. Before Christ's resurrection, these souls were believed to have been held in Abraham's Bosom. This contrasts with the Western Christian doctrine of purgatory, rejected by Eastern Orthodoxy.
While the title "Saint" is not commonly used for Old Testament figures like Abraham and Moses, they are considered saints and honoured as such in all the Church's liturgical traditions. Moses is listed in the modern Martyrologium Romanum, and days of commemoration for Abraham and Moses are recognised in the Roman Rite.
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Abraham received righteousness, becoming holy and sin-free through his faith
While it is unclear if Abraham and Moses are in heaven, according to Catholic doctrine, it is worth noting that the concept of paradise is not explicitly mentioned in Luke 16, and early Christian writers have historically designated "the Bosom of Abraham" as a place of imperfect happiness separate from heaven. However, in Western Catholic tradition, "the Bosom of Abraham" has become synonymous with heaven or the intermediate state.
Now, regarding Abraham receiving righteousness and becoming holy and sin-free through his faith, let's delve into this concept through the lens of the Christian faith. Abraham is often regarded as a pivotal figure of righteousness in the Bible. In Romans 4, Paul references an account from Genesis about Abraham, stating, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:3, NIV). This idea is further reinforced in Genesis 15:6, where it says, "Then he believed in the Lord; and He credited it to him as righteousness."
The concept of being "credited with righteousness" is intriguing. It implies that Abraham's faith and trust in God were recognized and rewarded by God. Abraham's righteousness was not a result of his own perfection or sin-free life but rather a gift from God due to his faith. This is significant because it showcases that righteousness is attainable through faith, even if one has imperfections or has made mistakes in the past.
Paul emphasizes that Abraham's righteousness was not a result of his works or character formation but solely through his faith. This notion of justification by faith is a central theme in the gospel, as it highlights God's role as a just and holy judge who imposes punishment on those who break His law. By placing our faith in God, we can change the course of our lives and be reckoned as righteous in God's eyes, just as Abraham was.
In conclusion, Abraham's righteousness was not inherent but was bestowed upon him by God due to his unwavering faith. This biblical account serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith and God's grace, providing encouragement to those who strive to live righteous lives despite their past shortcomings or imperfections.
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Moses' Assumption: the belief that Moses' body was taken into heaven post-death
The Bible does not explicitly state whether Moses ascended to heaven following his death. However, the Catholic Church maintains a belief that Moses, like Enoch and Elijah, might have ascended to heaven. This belief is based on the Assumption of Moses, an apocryphal text in which the Archangel Michael buried Moses, and his body was assumed into heaven. This interpretation is supported by the Epistle of Saint Jude and the New Testament Gospels, which describe Moses appearing in glory with Elijah beside Jesus during the Transfiguration.
The Assumption of Moses is a subject of debate among biblical scholars, with some arguing that Jude is referencing the text and the possibility of Moses' ascension to heaven. Others assert that the biblical verse should not be interpreted as evidence of Moses' heavenly ascension. Moses' final earthly journey atop Mount Nebo, as described in Deuteronomy 34, further fuels these debates. God allows Moses to glimpse the Promised Land, but he does not enter it, and the Bible does not reveal Moses' resting place.
The Catholic Church distinguishes between the ascension of Jesus, who rose to heaven by his own power, and the assumption of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was raised to heaven by God's power. The assumption of Mary is considered a divinely revealed dogma in Roman Catholicism, proclaimed by Pope Pius XII in 1950. The Church also teaches that it is a pious belief that Moses ascended to heaven after his death, although it is not a dogma.
The concept of "entering heaven alive" or "assumption" is a belief held in various religions. In the Hebrew Bible, Enoch and Elijah are said to have entered heaven alive, although the wording is subject to debate. In Catholicism, the assumption of saints into heaven is a significant aspect of the faith. While the assumption of Mary is a dogma, the assumption of other saints, such as Moses, is considered a pious belief.
While the Catholic Church does not refer to Old Testament figures as saints, Moses is considered a saint in other Christian traditions, such as Eastern Orthodoxy. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Moses is viewed as a prophet and saint, with a focus on the resurrection at the end of time rather than his individual journey to heaven.
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Moses' heavenly status: his appearance with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration
While the Old Testament figures of Moses and Abraham are not referred to as saints in the Catholic Church, they are still considered to be among the saints of heaven. The Catechism of the Catholic Church notes that:
> The patriarchs, prophets and certain other Old Testament figures have been and always will be honoured as saints in all the Church's liturgical traditions.
In fact, Moses is listed in the modern Martyrologium Romanum. Furthermore, Moses is said to have appeared with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration, as described in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 17:1–8, Mark 9:2–13, Luke 9:28–36). This event is also referred to in the Second Epistle of Peter.
On the mountaintop, Jesus is described as shining with bright rays of light, before the Old Testament figures of Moses and Elijah appear, and he speaks with them. Moses and Elijah are said to symbolise the Law and the prophets, respectively. The presence of these two figures is significant because it indicates to the apostles that Jesus is the voice of God, and that he surpasses the laws of Moses by virtue of his divinity and filial relationship with God.
The Transfiguration of Jesus is considered to be one of the miracles of Jesus in the Gospels. Thomas Aquinas considers the transfiguration "the greatest miracle", as it complemented baptism and showed the perfection of life in Heaven.
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Moses in Paradise: the belief that Moses went to Paradise before Christ's resurrection
While it is believed that Moses is in heaven, it is uncertain whether he went to heaven before Christ's resurrection. In the Bible, Moses is seen at the transfiguration of Jesus, and he is also mentioned in the Epistle of Jude and in ancient Jewish tradition, which sometimes attest to what happened after his death.
The idea of Moses being in heaven before Christ is a topic of debate. Some believe that Moses, like Enoch and Elijah, was taken to heaven while he was still alive. This is based on the belief that Moses' body was removed from the Earth, and his immortal soul would have been in Sheol (the Bosom of Abraham), a place of comfort in the biblical Sheol, where the righteous dead awaited redemption.
However, others argue that no one went to heaven before Jesus, as stated in John 3:13. According to this view, Enoch and Elijah did not go to the third heaven but to a different place, and Moses' case would be similar but slightly different.
The understanding of Moses' presence in heaven also varies between Western and Eastern Christian traditions. In Western Christianity, "the Bosom of Abraham" has become synonymous with Christian Heaven or the intermediate state, including those who died before Christ and were admitted to heaven after his resurrection. In contrast, Eastern Orthodoxy preserves the Bosom of Abraham as distinct from heaven, believing that the souls of the righteous went directly to Paradise after Christ's resurrection, while pre-resurrection righteous souls, like Moses, were held in Abraham's bosom.
While the specific timing of Moses' ascension to heaven is not explicitly stated in the Bible, it is generally accepted that he is among the saints in heaven. The Catechism of the Catholic Church acknowledges that "the patriarchs, prophets, and certain other Old Testament figures have been and always will be honored as saints in all the Church's liturgical traditions."
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Frequently asked questions
Abraham and Moses are considered saints in the Catholic Church, but they are not popularly referred to as "Saint Abraham" or "Saint Moses". The patriarchs, prophets, and certain other Old Testament figures are honored as saints in the Church's liturgical traditions.
It is believed that Moses and Abraham are in heaven. Moses' body was removed from the Earth, and his immortal soul would have been in Sheol. It is acknowledged that Moses is in heaven, and it is believed that Jesus brought the souls in Sheol to heaven after his resurrection.
Abraham's bosom is a concept that refers to a place in Hades where the righteous dead awaited Judgment Day. In the Western Catholic tradition, it has become synonymous with Heaven itself or an intermediate state.
