I had posted this response (below) a few days ago in the thread on Job 17. But the naysayers will continue to believe whatever they have been indoctrinated with (the virus of false teachings). This is NOT a parable but a glimpse into the afterlife which only Christ could provide.In this parable are they two separate individuals, or are they one in the same?
LESSONS FROM THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS
1. AN ACTUAL ACCOUNT OF WHAT HAPPENED
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
2. LAZARUS IGNORED BY THE RICH MAN -- A REAL LIFE SCENARIO
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
3. A DESCRIPTION OF THE AFTERLIFE (EVERYONE AWAKE AND ALIVE)
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [Note: if this were indeed a parable -- an illustrative story -- what exactly was being illustrated?]
4. HADES -- THE PLACE OF DEPARTED SPIRITS (RIGHTEOUS AND UNRIGHTEOUS)
23 And in hell [HADES] he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [Note: this was true until the resurrection of Christ. The righteous dead were taken to Heaven by Christ upon his ascension, and now they go directly to Heaven where all the OT saints reside]
5. NO SECOND CHANCES AFTER DEATH
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. [Note: an actual dialogue in Hades between the Rich Man and Abraham]
6. THE RIGHTEOUS COMFORTED, THE UNRIGHTEOUS TORMENTED IN HADES
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
7. A HUGE CHASM BETWEEN THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE UNRIGHTEOUS DEAD
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
8. WISHFUL THINKING AND REGRETS IN HADES
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
9. CONFIRMATION THAT THE UNRIGHTEOUS ARE IN TORMENT AS A PRELUDE TO HELL
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
10. THE OLD TESTAMENT PRESENTS THE WAY OF SALVATION
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.[Note: this is exactly what Paul confirmed to Timothy -- And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures,which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. The Holy Scriptures = the Hebrew Tanakh = Moses and the Prophets]
11. THE MISTAKEN IDEA THAT MIRACLES WILL CONVINCE THE UNBELIEVING
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. [Note: even though Christ performed a multitude of miracles, the Jews generally did not accept Him as their Messiah/King]
12. THIS ALSO REFERS TO THE FACT THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST DID NOT BRING ISRAEL TO REPENTANCE
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets,neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.