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19) One Of Those Brought Near To Allah (من المقرين)
The Qur'an testifies in Sura Al 'Imran 3:45 that the Son of Mary was "brought near" to Allah. He also testifies by this unique title that:
Christ remained without offenses, and was merciful in his holiness. The Son of Mary loved all men, not hating anyone, not even the one who betrayed him. He served Allah night and day, fulfilled His will joyfully and lived blamelessly. Because he was sinless, he was able to enter heaven, to be with God.
He now lives with the Holy One. His ascension to Allah appears twice in the Qur'an (Suras Al 'Imran 3:55 and al-Nisa' 4:158). Allah lifted him up, not to the first or second heaven, but to Himself. In addition, Christ's holiness did not cause his death, but he laid down his life according to his own will and according to the commandment of the Almighty (John 10:11-18).
Christ lives forever. His bones did not decay in the tomb, but he ascended in his body, with his spirit and soul, back to his spiritual Father. The Son of Mary now speaks with Allah and is entitled to intercede for his followers (Sura al-Ma'ida 5:117).
God accepted his atonement. God confirmed the substitutionary death of the Son of Mary by lifting Christ unto Himself. We can therefore be certain that the Almighty has forgiven us all our sins, completely and forever.
The Son of Mary is in no need for his followers to pray for him, because he is already with God. Instead, he intercedes for us. He is our living Savior and our Advocate.