November 30th - Did the Rich Man Go to Hell?

Jesus said the following about his parables...

“And the disciples came and said to Him, Why do you speak to them in parables? Jesus answered them, to you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been granted…" (Matthew 13:10-11)

So, is the following an historic event or a parable?

“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…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 Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.” (Luke 16:19-23)

A careful examination of the context beginning in Luke 14:7 shows me it is one in a series of parables, and therefore not a literal historic event. Everyone should be glad, for if it was a real event it would teach that rich people who receive good things in this life all go to hell, while the poor who receive bad things in this life go to heaven - in spite of the Cross, the Grace of God, or good works.

“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…” (Luke 16:24)

The context of the parable is the promises God has made to the nation of Israel, His chosen nation. The rich man represents the leaders who were rejecting Jesus as the Messiah, and the result would be that their political status would be taken from them, and their nation dispersed into the other nations where the "poor" would be cared for and the "rich" leaders would be in anguish. That literally happened to Israel!

For now we should concentrate on strengthening our faith, hope and love in the direct promises of God to people of all nations of the world. We should believe that the GRACE of God has brought salvation to all people.

"For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him." (John 3:17)

"...there is one God, and one mediator between God and humanity, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for ALL." (1 Tim. 2:5-6)

“Trust in the living God, who is the Savior of ALL humanity.” (1 Tim. 4:10)

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds. These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority." (Titus 2:11-15)

So, in my view, the rich man did not go to the hell of Greek Mythology - and neither will anyone else go there. All will be saved out of death by the GRACE and MERCY of God and become believers in Christ Jesus. They will come to a knowledge of the truth that all humanity is destined for salvation - the result of the death, entombment, and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God.