Call Us: 423 661-4734 | Email: requests@comeandreason.com      
Lazarus and the Rich Man

Lazarus and the Rich Man

Near the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, He told a story that for many has been difficult to understand. We find it recorded in Luke 16:19–31:

There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, “Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.”

But Abraham replied, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.”

He answered, “Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.”

Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.”

“No, father Abraham,” he said, “but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.”

He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead” (NIV84).

The question has been whether this story is literal or is a parable. That is, is Jesus describing reality, how things actually work in God’s universe, or is Jesus using a parable—a story that is not historical, factual, or literal—to bring out underlying eternal truths? Whether the story is literal or a parable has been debated for centuries and continues to be a point of disagreement within Christianity.

Before we examine the evidence that will help us answer this question, it is important to realize that our conclusion about this passage does not determine our state of salvation; our answer to this question is not a good indicator of our faith or relationship with God. Every human being is finite, with limited knowledge and understanding. Every one of us has things to learn and unlearn. When Jesus appears and we are changed in the twinkling of an eye and are soaring into the clouds to meet our Savior, there will not be one human being who has a perfect and complete understanding of every detail of Scripture. We will all still have much to learn—and unlearn.

What the saved do have are new hearts and right spirits. Fear and selfishness will have been replaced with love and trust in God, love for others, and a love for truth. The saved will have hearts and minds that long to grow in truth, not minds that know all truth! The saved will be humble, teachable, and eager to be corrected and to advance in the truth, grow in truth, and discover more truth. But the lost “perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10 NIV84). The lost are not lost because they didn’t hear the truth, or didn’t comprehend some doctrine or fact, but because their hearts were closed to new truth. Rather than advancing in the truth, the lost cling to their creeds, fundamental beliefs, doctrines, and traditions and refuse to be corrected; they will not grow when new truth is presented. Their hearts and minds are closed.

The point here is that two righteous people can understand various passages of Scripture differently. And even with careful study, they may still not agree—but that doesn’t necessarily mean that one is saved and one is lost. It may only indicate they are in different places in their journey as they follow the truth in their lives. One may comprehend details or insights that the other hasn’t yet recognized, yet both have hearts that love to grow in the truth.

When studying the Bible, the most critical point to remember is the primary purpose of Scripture: to reveal God to us. Likewise, the primary purpose of every doctrine is to reveal to us truth about God. Every single doctrine rightly understood and applied will connect directly back to God and reveal to us truths about His character, methods, design laws for life, and government. These doctrines function like spokes on a wheel, each one connected to and leading back to the central hub: Jesus Christ, who is the express image of God.

But sadly, all too often, our doctrines become stand-alone litmus tests of orthodoxy that we prove with a series of proof texts and then apply to behavior, using this “doctrinal standard” to test the faithfulness of others. Such an approach turns the focus away from God onto self—and worse, such an approach mispresents God. This is exactly how the Jews in Christ’s day approached Bible study, not as a book designed to reveal the truth about God, but as a code book of deeds to be done and sins to be shunned.

But Jesus told them plainly:

You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life (John 5:39–40 NIV84).

The Bible’s primary purpose is to lead us back to a knowledge of God. Remember, life eternal is knowing God (John 17:3). We have life only if we have the Son (1 John 5:12); life is not found in having the right list of doctrinal beliefs.

If we have the correct doctrinal teaching about some subject, say the method of baptism or Sabbath day, but that doctrine is not connected to the truth about God, then that doctrine will be used to mislead and obstruct the plan of salvation. The correct doctrine disconnected from the truth about God can lead people away from God.

Jesus said:

Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are (Matthew 23:15 NIV84).

Did these Jewish lawyers and theologians have the wrong Sabbath day, eat the wrong foods, have the wrong religious festivals, tithe the wrong percentage, or worship in the wrong sanctuary? No! But what did they have wrong? They failed to connect the doctrines to the truth about God and, instead, set up the doctrines as though they are like human laws, imposed rules requiring legal accounting and management and behavioral monitoring.

So, as we consider this story, we need to keep in mind that our Christian friends in other traditions may very well interpret it differently than us, and we may be quite correct in disagreeing with their interpretation, but that doesn’t mean they don’t know God—or that we do. Our love and knowledge of God is unfolding, and they, like us, may hold beliefs that have never been fully examined and traced through the entire record of Scripture and linked back to God.

And this is the most important question when considering all of these passages: What do the various interpretations say about God?

Unpacking the Tale

If we believe the story of the rich man and Lazarus is literal, describing reality as it actually is in God’s universe, what would that mean and what would that say about God?

  • If this describes a reality in which the dead are conscious, then those in heaven and hell can see and communicate with each other. And if that is how heaven functions, what would the experience be like for the various saved who have loved ones crying out to them from the torments of hell for all eternity? Would King David be filled with joy and peace if he were to see and hear his son Absalom crying out to him from the torments of hell for all eternity?
  • What would it say about the saved if they could be in heaven and watch any living being—animal, human, or angel—being tormented and crying out in pain and look upon that and feel satisfied, feel good, and say, “Yes, that is right; I’m glad to see it”?
  • And if this is literally the way things are in God’s universe, that some are tormented in the fires of hell for all eternity and the righteous, for all eternity, watch and hear their screams of pain, what kind of place is that for the righteous? Would you be happy there? Wouldn’t such an experience destroy tenderness of heart and cause either demoralization or hardness and callousness of heart?
  • And what kind of God would God be if He created a universe in which people are born into a world they did not choose, born into sinfulness that they did not choose, experience child abuse they did not choose, and then die in adolescence before they ever accept Jesus as their Savior, yet God sends them to hell to be tormented for all eternity—a short life in sin with no opportunity for salvation followed by eternal torment. What kind of being would God be if this were true?

So, does taking this story literally say anything good about God?

Why would people believe this is a literal story rather than a parable?

  • Preconceived ideas—if one already believes that souls are immortal and can never die, and the righteous go to heaven in some conscious way at death, then this story seems to describe that process, so it doesn’t trigger cognitive dissonance, it doesn’t make one pause and question; it is read literally because it seems to fit an underlying belief.
  • Further, the Bible teaches that all humans have a fear of death (Hebrews 2:15), and the belief that we are immortal in some way reduces that fear. In other words, people don’t want to believe they can die; they want to believe they will live forever no matter what. This story, taken literally, supports that belief and helps them ward off the fear of death. However, the only true solution to death and our fear of it is Jesus Christ, who “shared in [our] humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death” (Hebrews 2:14, 15 NIV84).

And the details of the story themselves reveal it is not to be taken literally. For instance, the story describes disembodied souls or spirits, yet the rich man asks Lazarus to dip his “finger” in water to cool his “tongue”—both of these are body parts. Spirits don’t have fingers or tongues!

Why did Jesus tell this story? What truth was He trying to get across? I think there were several truths Jesus wanted to convey to the people of that day. As I list them, consider if these were falsehoods that the Jews struggled with, and which this story exposed, but also consider whether we need to remember these same truths today:

  • Health and wealth are not good indicators of salvation, righteousness, or standing with God.
  • Poverty and sickness are not good indicators of who is out of favor with God or cursed of God.
  • There is a chasm that separates the righteous from the unrighteous, and when it becomes fixed, it cannot be crossed. That chasm is the chasm between love and selfishness. Once a person has become fixed in heart and mind into either camp, they cannot cross over to the other side. Why? Not because God prevents any from crossing over, but because the wicked, by persistent rebellion, refusal of truth, and choosing sin, have destroyed the faculties that respond to love and truth and nothing will win them back to God. The wicked will not surrender in trust to God to “die to self” and be reborn into God’s kingdom. Whereas, the righteous have been so settled into truth and love that nothing will tempt them out of it.
  • There will be a day of recognizing, a day when all parties will realize the difference between the two camps, and the lost will be terribly dissatisfied.
  • God reveals Himself to us via Scripture, nature, and other revelation; if we will not believe the evidence God provides through His divine agencies during this lifetime, we will not change our ways or beliefs even if we have the testimony of someone returning from the dead, which the Jews proved true when Jesus raised a man named Lazarus from the dead and they still would not believe or change their ways.

 

 

Email me the blog whenever a new one is published.

Donate online, securely via PayPal using your credit or debit card (no PayPal account needed, unless you want to set up a monthly, recurring payment).


cancel recurring payment

 

Want to use zelle instead?
See how on our
Support and Donations page.

Upcoming Events

calendar

Testimonial Post Slider

Testimony 23

I would just like to add my voice to the many people who, I believe, must have contacted you to express their appreciation for the “Healing the Mind” DVDs. I’ve been listening to your Bible study class discussions for many years and I’ve been personally blessed by your research and teaching about the character of God.

L. G., Oakland, MI, USA

 

Testimony 38

Since November 2015, when I started studying Gods word from this God Is Love point of view, my life has been transformed. My troubled marriage of 15 years has been healed and my husband and I are truly happy for the first time in 15 years. Now When I read the word of God I understand it so much better and I can’t help but see Gods love radiating through the pages to humanity. Gods word is living and active and I am blessed beyond measure to be having this amazing experience. God has given me a beautiful understanding of Jn 3:16 that amazes me more and more each day. Thank you again for your ministry.

Helen D., London, England

 

Testimony 45

I have been confused for years about what [christianity] calls [its] most disgusting teaching. It has never made much sense to me and for that reason has been evermore empty. I have listened to your class off and on and have struggled determining what is truth, because of the resistance design law encounters in the church. So, I thank God for your ministry. What you teach makes sense. It’s logical and backed up by the power of love. I have never seen that in Christ until now. I am astounded by the insight that is found when we look at God’s ministry through design law. All strength to this message, as I believe it to be the power of God.

Brendon S.

 

Testimony 62

I would like to express my thanks to the C&R team for creating a platform from which people can learn to trust in God and grow. My life is a witness to the effectiveness of this ministry. Without believing the truth about God as you have shown, I don’t know what my life would be like. I had given up on God helping me with certain sins – it was all useless. Given that the scripture is clear and God is so good, how could I have betrayed him so many times? I was a yo-yo christian; spinning up and down. My faith and enthusiasm was driven by discoveries/threats that prophecy is about to be fulfilled. But when I watched your “Healing the Mind” seminar, it was like a light finally went on. I could see God had no plan to hurt me, the danger came from sin, and that He is working to protect me and strengthen me. Thank you for allowing God to use you. The message God gave C&R saved my life!

Antony N. – Hobart, Australia

 

Testimony 9

I really enjoy with you the view of a gracious God. Thank you for sharing the work you are allowing the Lord to do in you.

L., Queensland, Australia

 

Testimony 20

I just wanted to personally thank you for your teachings and insight into scripture. I came across your website via my cousin who suggested I look into “Healing the Mind” information. My youngest daughter has been struggling over the last couple of years and it all came to a head this spring. When I started listening to the “Healing the Mind” lectures my own life began to be transformed. I began sharing with all my daughters the concepts you laid out so clearly. I ordered your book and soaked it up. I just want to say “Thank You!” My walk with the Lord has been refreshed and renewed. Your obedience to the Lord is a blessing to so many.

R. K., Anderson, SC, USA

 

Testimony 65

I have been tuning into your weekly study classes for a while now and wanted express my appreciation for the teachings that ha been a huge blessing in opening up the true message of the word. Viewing scripture under an imposed law theory always, without fail, raised more questions, concerns, and conflicting scripture interpretations that were discouraging at the very least. Looking at scripture through the design law lens has brought more truth to light for me personally and an understanding of our Heavenly Father that places Him “above all others,” where I am now more than thrilled to witness and serve Him.  I “stumbled” across this ministry a year or so ago and would only watch a few minutes at a time. But the more I listened and the longer I paid attention, the more my spiritual eyes were opened to the ever present truths of scripture. The comprehension of the great controversy and it’s origin by the lies perpetrated and perpetuated throughout the Bible on the attack of God’s character and government is truly priceless. Keep up the Good Work! Your servanthood is desperately needed in such a time as this!

Jeff D., Reading, MA, USA

 

Testimony 31

It was very touching to hear the testimony of your class share how viewing God’s true character has changed their lives. My feelings are the same – there is so much freedom in knowing that God LOVES me – regardless of my… just, REGARDLESS! I’m still blown away by the true gospel, the fact that God is not ready to strike us when we fail. He is not arbitrary. He simply loves us and warns of the natural consequences because He can’t stand to see us suffer. I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS GOD!!!

Ceil V.,  UT, USA

 

Testimony 24

I wanted to thank you very much for presenting your understanding of God. I’ve always been troubled by this question: Why did Jesus have to die? Since my conversion I understood that The Father & Jesus are one, I did not have issues with that. But was there not any other way to save us than for Jesus to die? I guess I actually had a question about God – if He is so wise, how come He did not find another way? I did not see the real ‘beauty’  in the cross. Only when you explained the picture in the medical context, Jesus providing medicine for my selfishness, have I started to finally ‘see the light’. Thank you so much. Your seminar, “Healing the Mind,” are absolutely marvelous & have shared them with my family and many other people, including colleagues at work. Thanks, thanks, thanks. May God bless you abundantly in your ministry.

M. W., Australia

 

Testimony 29

Thank you for all of your work to correct misconceptions about God’s character. So many people that my husband and I have talked to seem to be against the natural law construct and view it as “errant” and “dangerous.” Having learned more about it through your blogs and lessons, I don’t really understand why they view it that way, except that it means they have to relearn theology they have known for their entire lives. But I’m so excited to relearn this. For the past few years I have been questioning how I could trust a God who punishes arbitrarily and is full of wrath for those who don’t obey His commands. That view made me afraid to “mess up” or “not be good enough,” even within my relationship with God. I really appreciated the point you bring out about God not wanting us to serve Him because we are afraid, but because we love Him.

Melissa H., IN, USA

 

Testimony 51

I Love This Ministry!!!!!!! I see first hand how this message is desperately needed, how erroneous beliefs about God and His Character negatively affect humanity at every level. I thank God for your ministry, as I was searching on my own and was discovering some of your same beliefs and was blown away when I found your ministry. I know you hear it all the time, but it is truly life changing. May God continue to reveal His Will to you and Bless you!

Eric S., Sanford, FL, USA

 

Testimony 13

I borrowed “Healing The Mind” DVDs from a friend and showed them at my home for a small gathering of women friends. Neither of my friends are Adventist, but they both enjoyed and embraced the messages you taught. In fact, one of the ladies prayed out loud in our group and that was the first time she had ever had public prayer.

J.B. ,Dalles, OR, USA

 

Testimony 41

I have been blessed by your ministry. I have experienced personally, and deeply resonate with, the God of love and the beautiful picture of God’s character that you present. I have seen your seminar series on YouTube, read ‘The Journal of the Watcher’ book, used your mobile app, and also listen/study the bible study lesson with you each week. I concur with many of the thoughts and perspectives that you share. I understand your conclusions on natural laws vs imposed law and the legal/penal substitution (incorrect diagnosis). This makes perfect sense to me.

Bless you for all you do.

Melissa L.

 

Testimony 40

I was brought up in a different faith and have been petrified my whole life of God. I believed that I would burn in hell for eternity. When I was 12 I started pursuing the things of this world, but for the next 45 years the Spirit was always calling me, as I knew there was a God through nature. I could see the vast sea of stars in the universe and knew there was something bigger out there. Five years ago, through a Revelation seminar, I was blessed to learn about God’s character and government.

Then I found Come and Reason Ministries and have come under some extreme pressure when I speak about the ministry. One time a member sent me an internet article titled “Whats wrong with Tim Jennings?” I asked her what she thought of it and she said “I don’t know, I didn’t read it.”

I have always wanted to find out for myself the truth about God, so I stayed with the Design Law construct and have been liberated to understand the big picture. Once we consider Design Law, all other Bible stories and prophecies seem to fit perfectly. It is truly beautiful to see people grasping how God operates this Universe of Love and the liberation it has provided in their lives. It blows my mind to see how consistent Design law is with what our founders believed. I hear statements like “This makes so much sense.”

Tom W., Mt. Pleasant, MI, USA

 

Testimony 61

I grew up in a prominent protestant church and had what I like to call religious anxiety. I’ve always had questions about God and Salvation that no one could seem to answer.  I didn’t know how to find resolution. During 2020, at the height of my anxiety, I fell to my knees and begged God to show me truth and light and to give me the hope that I’ve been longing for. Days later, I stumbled upon your online videos and it was like a veil was lifted and EVERYTHING made sense! For the first time in my almost 39 years of life, my religious/spiritual anxiety has lessened. I feel a sense of freedom and peace I’ve NEVER had before… and it’s all because my view of God has changed. Thank you!

Ashleighn C.