Jesus tells a story about Lazarus with Abraham and another fellow all in the afterlife. The other fellow wants to be with Lazarus but Jesus says there is a great trench between them that cannot be crossed. What would happen if the tried to get across it. So what if he fell, where would he go? He is already dead and in a place of tormet?
2006-08-23 08:10:32 · 5 answers · asked by nobodiesinc 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is one of Jesus' many illustrations or parables that he used to teach his followers important lessons. This one, as with all the others is not to be taken literally. If it were, it would mean that those enjoying divine favor could fit at the bosom of one man, Abraham; that the water on one's fingertip would not be evaporated by the fire of hell; that a mere drop of water would bring relief to one suffering there. That is not reasonable, but many in Christendom take it to be literal.
What does the parable mean? The "rich man" represented the Pharisees. The beggar Lazarus represented the common Jewish people who were despised by the Pharisees but who repented and became followers of Jesus. Their deaths were 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 judgement messages delivered by the ones whom they had despised.
Revelation 20:14 says that death and hell are destroyed--Hell is the grave of mankind. Without death to plague us, there will be no need for hell(the grave).
2006-08-23 08:44:05 · answer #1 · answered by Micah 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The great chasm is the sin between heaven and hell. The only way across it is by accepting Jesus sacrifice as your savior.
The verses are about a rich man, that was cruel to Lazarus, on earth. They both die. Lazarus was a saved Man, and went to Abraham's bosom,( because Jesus hadn't died yet) the rich man went to hell. He could see into heaven, it talks of his great torment, wanting a bit of water for his parched tongue. And he must have known why he was there, for he didn't want his brothers to go there.So he had regret, and remorse and fear for his family. And to be able to see into paradise but not be able to get there, must be an awful torment.Knowing that you have the choice on earth, but wasted the opportunity
He couldn't fall, because I believe he knows you can't cross.
What amazes me is that He is still there, and we don't realize that eternity is just that. Eternity.
2006-08-23 15:20:14 · answer #2 · answered by 2ndchhapteracts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
actually abraham is speaking to the the rich man,and he is with lazarus...and your missing the point of the "true story" that was being told is that once you lift up your eyes in hell...its all over your not getting out..no matter how much you beg
2006-08-23 15:17:38 · answer #3 · answered by holyghost130 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The point of the story is not about the perils of getting to the other side. It is the fact that he can never get across. His fate was sealed at death - It is certain and final. He knows it too; he asks to be able to warn his family. Abraham tells him that his family has all the warning they need - the same goes for us.
2006-08-23 19:11:06 · answer #4 · answered by Paperglyphs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cite your specific scripture, please.
FOUND IT! Luke 16:19-31
Abraham is explaining that Lazarus cannot cross the "great chasm". "Those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us."
Rich man = in hell & in torment
Lazarus = in heaven with Father Abe
You cannot cross from Heaven into Hell and vice versa. It's impossible to do.
2006-08-23 15:13:28 · answer #5 · answered by SAHM2_1B_1G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋