The Old Testament was a gradual revelation regarding God and His Kingdom, and thus we see that by the time of the first century, the Oral Tradition (Torah) and practices of the pious traditional Jews (specifically, the Pharisees) believed in prayers of intercession by the holy departed. It was Christ’s advent and subsequent teachings and sending of the Holy Spirit from the Father whereby the truth and power of this is validated and further revealed. Most notable episode in His ministry occured in the Transfiguration, where Christ is discussing with Moses and Elijah the coming event of His death and resurrection.
