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This week we conclude our study of Luke Chapter 16. Please read verses 19-31 every day this week and, if possible, use a different translation each day, asking God to open your eyes to fresh revelation from His Word.
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Luke 16:23-26 (The Message)
‘In hell and in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham in the distance and Lazarus in his lap. He called out, ‘Father Abraham, mercy! Have mercy! Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water to cool my tongue. I’m in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that in your lifetime you got the good things and Lazarus the bad things. It’s not like that here. Here he’s consoled and you’re tormented. Besides, in all these matters there is a huge chasm set between us so that no one can go from us to you even if he wanted to, nor can anyone cross over from you to us.’
Within church circles and the various theologians from various denominations, there are many, many themes that find universal acceptance. Fundamental issues are agreed upon and provide the basis for unity ensuring that fellowship can be enjoyed. However, there are some issues that are controversial.
There have been some key figures in mainstream churches that have raised their voices to object to some aspects of Christian doctrine that they find unacceptable and, in their opinion, unbelievable. In recent years, more and more people are joining with these voices and are trying to make a stand about issues such as gay marriage, women in leadership and other ‘hot potatoes’. One such topic is the doctrine of hell. In today’s culture where acceptance of anyone and anything is the normal course of action, for some people, it is inconceivable that God would be anything other than completely loving and forgiving.
Such people take examples like our verses today and explain them away by stating that the words should never be taken literally. Everything that Jesus says in parables is meant to be ‘figurative’ or ‘illustrative’. The symbology is of paramount importance and is key to the application of Jesus’ words.
I am in complete agreement that we have to be most careful when taking some things literally that are never meant to be applied in such ways. For example, I don’t necessarily think that we can believe that everyone in hell can ‘look up and see Abraham in the distance’. In this scenario, Jesus is using a typically human characteristic to explain something in an easy to understand way. Similarly, I don’t know for sure that the use of ‘fingers’ and ‘tongues’ can be a basis for belief in a physical body after death.
However, it is very, very difficult to not accept the concept of hell and torment as Jesus explains it in these verses. I believe that there are fundamental truths that Jesus Himself mentions. Firstly, it is clear that those who have died are not asleep but are fully awake. Secondly, it’s equally clear that some of those people are saved but others are suffering. Also, I see that this condition or place is fixed forever. There doesn’t seem to be an avenue for a second chance.
It’s very hard for us to face this when we may have loved ones who have passed without a public acknowledgement of saving faith in Jesus. Well, I don’t believe that we should ‘put anyone in hell’. We don’t know what God’s Spirit has done in the lives of our friends or family. He is the perfect Judge and we should trust Him to do the right thing.
Lastly, this should spur us on to seek opportunities to help those in need of Jesus. I’m not in favour of preaching at them, but my prayer today is that we grasp each moment to share the good news of Jesus.
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