Is The Rich Man and Lazarus Literal or Figurative?
The story of the Rich Man and Lazarus in the book of Matthew has been the source of much debate for nearly 2 millennia. Jesus tells of a poor, unhealthy beggar and contrasts him with a person who is rich and merciless. The latter ends up in hell while the former ends up in Abraham’s bosom, which many say is heaven. There is a huge gulf fixed between hell and Abraham’s bosom that cannot be crossed. It is taught that the story is not a parable, but is a true account, and that it teaches about the final eternal state: heaven or hell for the unrepentant sinner.
Is this what Jesus meant to communicate with this rich man and Lazarus story — or account — or parable?
The Word of God has to fit from Genesis 1:1 to the Unveiling 22:21 because God authored it. If the traditional interpretation of this story is true, then it contradicts the many clear verses about death, the death state and life beyond death. So how does it fit with the rest of the Word of God?
Download the study below to see what The Rich Man and Lazarus is really teaching when you allow God’s Word to interpret itself in light of the entire Word of God.
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