confused? luke 16:23 says Abraham is in heaven?

Question

With this poor guy, Lazarus? But 1cor. 15:20 says that Jesus was the first to be resurrected. First born from the dead.
Col. 1:18 says the same thing so that he can be first in all things.
Resurrectons had occurred before but only to life on earth, never to go to heaven. Jesus was first in that. Those resurrected on earth had to die again. Is that just an Illustration? Matthew 13:34 says he spoke in illustrations. What was he illustrating?

Jesus was the one talking so he hadn't die yet.

King of Babylon drop dead!

Answer 1

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.

You are right, nobody had gone to heaven before jesus returned there, and in fact Acts 2:29, 34 shows that David did not go to heaven, he was still in the grave, awaiting resurrection to the earth.

Answer 2

The rich man and Lazarus. This is a 'PARABLE' For all of you that are not Bible students. 1Cor 15:20, and your question is? Col 1:18, does not say the same thing as Luke 16:23, this is talking about Jesus being the head of the church. Jesus was not the first to be resurrected and to go to heaven. Moses was. There have been 4 people that are named that have gone to heaven. Enoch, Moses, Isaiah, and Jesus. Two never saw death, and two died. Parables are story's that try and teach you something.

Answer 3

Before Heaven was open for business, ppl went to Sheol. Sheol was divided into two sections, Paradise and Hell. Lazarus and Abraham were in Paradise. The rich man was in Hell. There was a great divide between them. I suppose good atheists could still end up in Paradise, now that it's empty. But you need a personal invitation to get into Heaven.

Answer 4

No,

Genesis 25:7-9
Altogether, Abraham lived a hundred and seventy-five years. Then Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre, in the field of Ephron son of Zohar the Hittite,

Yes, i agree with your premise, since Lazarus was said to be in heaven, Abraham must have been there also.

Ahahaha, not the author of confusion ?, yeah right.

Answer 5

Luke 16:20
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

The beggar died and went straight into Abraham's bosom.

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;

The rich man who was in hell and was watching the beggar off with Abraham in his bosom. EVentually ALL non believers just like this rich man, will have their eyes opened to the truth, and they all will believe, but when they get to hell and are proven there that they were wrong not to obey God. it will be too late.

Abraham was not ressurected. That was the spirit of Abraham that was seen, not Abraham in the flesh.

The illustration in this scripture is that a poor man who had nothing, believed in God and lived by the law of God went to heaven when he died for his belief and obedience to God. .But the rich man who did not live by the law, died and went to hell. illlustrating that all your posessions and money will not get you into heaven, but belief in God, and being obedient to God's laws, and accepting Jesus today as yoursavior, repenting of your sins, will.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Answer 6

And where exactly does it say "in heaven" in luke 16:23?
It is a good thing that you read the Gospel anyway!

Answer 7

This is just an illustration..... Jesus is telling them they have all they need to be saved. The parable goes on telling how the rich man is asking for Lazarus to be sent back to warn his family.

The response is vs: 27. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28. For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
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.

Basically, he is saying if we do not accept what is written.... we won't accept someone's word for it. We have all we need for salvation in the Bible.

Answer 8

All the others who were resurrected died again [on Earth].
Jesus did not. That's the difference.

Answer 9

actually it says they were in Abrahams bosom,thats in the lower earth in sheol as hebrews put it. its across from Hell,not in heaven

Answer 10

Big surprise! The bible's inconsistent and confusing! Imagine that!