The Rich Man And Lazarus (2 Parts) Series

Dr. Bradford Reaves

CrossWay Christian Fellowship

Hagerstown, MD

www.mycrossway.org

The reality of Hell is something that most people, especially carnal people, do not want to contend with. It is interesting that many people believe in the existence of heaven, but dismiss the existence of hell. The Bible clearly and explicitly teaches that hell is a real place to which the wicked/unbelieving are sent after death.

The punishment of the wicked is described throughout the Bible as “eternal fire” (Matthew 25:41), “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12), “shame and everlasting contempt” (Daniel 12:2), a place where “the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:44-49), a place of “torment” and “fire” (Luke 16:23-24), “everlasting destruction” (2 Thessalonians 1:9), a place where “the smoke of torment rises forever and ever” (Revelation 14:10-11), and a “lake of burning sulfur” where the wicked are “tormented day and night forever and ever” (Revelation 20:10). Jesus indicates that punishment in hell is everlasting (Matthew 25:46). Those in hell will recognize the perfect justice of God (Psalm 76:1) and that they alone are to blame (Deuteronomy 32:3-5). ((Got Questions))

Yes, hell is real, according to the Bible. Yes, hell is a place of torment that is eternal. But even more sobering to the revelation of the existence of hell is the reality is that many in this world find themselves in that place. Contrary to common opinion, hell is not filled will people on earth who overtly worship Satan by wearing black clothing and pentagrams. In fact, hell will be filled mostly with religious people who consider themselves to be good people.

If you remember, much of Jesus’ teaching ministry, especially the parables, is used to reveal the truths of the Kingdom of God in contrast to the false teaching of the religious leaders of Jesus’ day. The context of this parable is centered around the false security of the Pharisees through their self-righteousness. Before we read the parable, look back at verses 14 and 15:

The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him. 15 And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God. (Luke 16:14–15)

Fear is a powerful emotion that can override a person’s reason.

We live in a world that is full of fear. Much of that is driven by the talking heads of the mainstream media, politicians, or false religious teachers. All of them have one thing in common the desire to control those who will listen to them. I can't think of a better example of this than the fear instilled in people during the COVID-19 pandemic. The things people did to avoid transmitting this unseen and unknown virus were, at times, almost comical but also tragically sad. Those fears were driven by the lies of those who were in power.

There is a healthy fear that many people ignore and when you ignore it, the consequences can be eternal. That is the fear of the Lord. Martin Luther said, “God and the devil take opposite tactics in regard to fear. The Lord first allows us to become afraid, that he might relieve our fears and comfort us. The devil, on the other hand, first makes us feel secure in our pride and sins, that we might later be overwhelmed with fear and despair.” (Sermon Central). The kind of healthy fear of God brings us to a place of reverence and awe.

What Jesus is about to extend to the people through this parable is that the Pharisees and all who follow false religious systems are in grave danger of being thrown into hell. The tragic reality is that many people will face eternal damnation because they ignored the warnings. Jesus had already warned them not to fear men who can only kill the body and, after that, do nothing more but to fear God, who kills both bodies and sends the soul to eternal hell.

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ ” (Luke 16:19–31)