Gary-
You make an interesting point and I appreciate your response.
It might do well to step back and put this Scripture into context. We may want to ask:
Is the account, at Luke 16:19-31, literal or merely an illustration of something else?
The Jerusalem Bible, in a footnote, acknowledges that it is a “parable in story form without reference to any historical personage.” If taken literally, it would mean that those enjoying divine favor could all fit at the bosom of one man, Abraham; that the water on one’s fingertip would not be evaporated by the fire of Hades; that a mere drop of water would bring relief to one suffering there.
Does that sound reasonable to you? If it were literal, it would conflict with other parts of the Bible. If the Bible were thus contradictory, would a lover of truth use it as a basis for his faith? But the Bible does not contradict itself.
What does the parable mean? The “rich man” represented the Pharisees. (See verse 14.) The beggar Lazarus represented the common Jewish people who were despised by the Pharisees but who repented and became followers of Jesus. (See Luke 18:11; John 7:49; Matthew 21:31, 32.) Their deaths were also symbolic, representing a change in circumstances. Thus, the formerly despised ones came into a position of divine favor, and the formerly seemingly favored ones were rejected by God, while being tormented by the judgment messages delivered by the ones whom they had despised.—Acts 5:33; 7:54.
Re: How He Loves Us
Member #: 82777
Registered: 7/2/2011
Posted:
26
Name:
Joe Chavez
Name:
Joe Chavez
Occupation:
Broadband Project Manager
Location:
Oregon
Personal:
Experience:
~42 years
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