From one of the stories that Jesus told, angels, and heaven and hell are mentioned. But before we get to that, Jesus sets the earthly scene for us.
(In a society without any medicare at all, so the sick really had to completely depend on the benevolence of others) there was a believer named Lazarus who was not only very sick but also very poor, and all he hoped for was a bit of leftover food.
And then - there was a stingy rich man who was an unbeliever...
(Luke 16:19-21) “Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. 20 And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, 21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores..."
Now, both died.
We have to keep in mind that this is a story told by Jesus to teach a lesson. I am not sure if Father Abraham is to represent or personify God's Words, but what is said gives us some indication as to what death will look like for both believers and unbelievers...
When Lazarus died, he was escorted to heaven by angels (heaven being "Abraham's bosom" which is figurative to describe paradise or God's presence, the place where believers who are "asleep in Christ" will wait until the time of resurrection and rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13-15)...
(Luke 16:22) Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom
(In a society without any medicare at all, so the sick really had to completely depend on the benevolence of others) there was a believer named Lazarus who was not only very sick but also very poor, and all he hoped for was a bit of leftover food.
And then - there was a stingy rich man who was an unbeliever...
(Luke 16:19-21) “Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. 20 And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, 21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores..."
Now, both died.
We have to keep in mind that this is a story told by Jesus to teach a lesson. I am not sure if Father Abraham is to represent or personify God's Words, but what is said gives us some indication as to what death will look like for both believers and unbelievers...
(Luke 16:22) Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom
The rich man did not have any angels escorting him. It simply says...
(Luke 16:22b) ...the rich man also died and was buried.
The unsaved dead go to Hades, the unseen world, which is their abode until the judgment of the great white throne (Rev.20:11-15). That place will already be one of torment and agony. As well, we see that there will still be a conscious existence for the unsaved...
(Luke 16:23-24) In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’
In heaven there is comfort, and in Hades and hell there is agony. Perhaps the people in hell will be able to see those in heaven, but certainly the people in heaven will not see or hear those in hell...
(Luke 16:25) But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.
There are no second changes after death!...
(Luke 16:26) And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’
(Luke 16:25) But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.
There are no second changes after death!...
(Luke 16:26) And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’
And the dead are not allowed to speak with the living...
- when believers die, it looks like we might be escorted to heaven by angels (Luke 16:22)
- "Abraham's bosom" is figurative language to describe paradise, or the place of God's presence; although this is more than likely referring to the place where believers who are "asleep in Christ" wait until the time of the resurrection and rapture (Luke 16:22)
- in heaven, there is comfort (Luke 16:25)
- in heaven, believers are secure for all eternity (Luke 16:26)
- after death, there are no second chances, as there is a great chasm between heaven and hell (Luke 16:26)
- when unbelievers die, they go to Hades first, until the judgment of the great white throne (Luke 16:23-24)
- Hades will already be one of torment and agony. And there will be a conscious existence for the unsaved (Luke 16:23-25)
- perhaps the unsaved dead will be able to see believers in heaven, but certainly believers will NOT see or hear those in hell (Luke 16:26)
- not only are the dead not allowed to speak to the living, but even if they could, it would not even help (Luke 16:27-31)
Personal experience: I've had several people ask me to prove to them and convince them of the existence of God. And really, all we can ever say to that is:
- just look at the wonders of nature! All the proof is right there in front of you.
- just read the Bible, which are the inerrant words of God! EVERYTHING is right there!
- just consider how God has worked in my life!!! There is no doubt!!!
Today's takeaway: not only for unbelievers, but for believers, we can pray and ask God to show us truth and proof of His existence. There are those times that believers will feel the need to pray, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!" just because our finite minds cannot wrap around His infinite majesty!
Sin impedes prayers, but for an unbeliever to ask God to show Himself to them - if they truly want to see and find Him - they will...
(Romans 1:18-21) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
(Matthew 6:22-23) The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
John 12:37-41) But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 For this reason they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and He hardened their heart, so that they would not see with their eyes and perceive with their heart, and be converted and I heal them.” 41 These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.
Sin impedes prayers, but for an unbeliever to ask God to show Himself to them - if they truly want to see and find Him - they will...
(Romans 1:18-21) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 21 For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
(Matthew 6:22-23) The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. 23 But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!
John 12:37-41) But though He had performed so many signs before them, yet they were not believing in Him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 For this reason they could not believe, for Isaiah said again, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and He hardened their heart, so that they would not see with their eyes and perceive with their heart, and be converted and I heal them.” 41 These things Isaiah said because he saw His glory, and he spoke of Him.
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