Bible Question:
Questions (unanswered) Luke 16:19-31 Lazarus and the Rich Man 'Some say that this is a parable. However, if it is, it is unique because no other parable actually names a person. It isn't a story. It is history. It really happened. But many who believe in no consciousness after death will say it is still a parable.' There are questions about Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16) that remain unanswered. Tell me, if you can, what are the answers to these questions? QUESTION: 'If this is a parable, What is it teaching?' 'If hell fire is false and if self-awareness after death is also false, then Jesus is using false doctrines to teach a truth. Parables illustrate truth.' QUESTION: 'If it is a parable what does the consciousness after death symbolize?' QUESTION: 'Also, what does the agony in flame symbolize?' 'Jesus spoke more of hell than heaven and spent so much time warning people not to go there.' QUESTION: 'After all, if people just stopped existing, why warn them?' If it was temporal, they'd get out in a while. But if it were eternal and conscious, then the warning is strong. 'Jesus said, "And if your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30"And if your right hand makes you stumble, cut it off, and throw it from you; for it is better for you that one of the parts of your body perish, than for your whole body to go into hell," (Matt. 5:29-30).' (http://www.carm.org/doctrine/hell.htm) |
Bible Answer: Question 1. This is not a parable, this is an actually event that happen an encounter that the Lord Jesus was referencing. Normally when Jesus was using a parable He would reference things pertaining to the person's live style or what have you. example a sower went out to sow. Or a farmer went out to harvest. He did not do this in this case. Question 2. It's not a parable. I believe that the Lord Jesus was telling them that you will be aware of your surroundings when you leave here. The rich ruler knew Abraham, Abraham has been dead decades I'm sure but the rich ruler was certain (aware) that it was Abraham. So you will know people and you will know the people who you leave behind. Question 3. If there is any symbolic purpose regarding the flame it is that if you die without Christ you have hell for your reward. I personally thought that the Lord Jesus didn't spend much time talking about hell. I thought he talked about the living and how to live. These are just my thoughts...... |