It’s Simply A Parable
"The rich man and Lazarus" tale, is just that, a parable, not fact,
'Cause this statement that I am making here, by much evidence is backed.
Yes, such is nothing but a parable, 'cause nothing else it could be,
And hence why here we'll examine why it cannot be reality.
It says that when Lazarus died, that right then, he received his reward,
That is, that he received it well before “the judgment day of our Lord.”
It also tells us that when the rich man died, he received no reward,
And instead, was punished, and well before “the judgment day of our Lord.”
And yet, the Bible clearly tells us that one’s punishment or reward
Is received at Christ’s return — that's after “the judgment day of our Lord.”
Therefore, let me repeat that point again. One’s punishment or reward
Is received at Christ’s return — that’s after “the judgment day of our Lord.”
And such is true, for just take a look, as so many verses convey
That no one's punished or rewarded until after God’s judgment day.
For it's only after Christ has finished judging that He will return,
Thus, it's only at this soon appearing, that each one their fate will learn.
The parable also states that those who are in Heaven or some hell,
Can actually see each other. Now, can’t you just hear a loud bell?
For tell me, who would believe such error? Well, I certainly know who:
Pharisees influenced by Greek thought, from which such falsehood clearly grew.
You see, our Lord employed in this parable a number of details
Already accepted as fact by Pharisees, who Christ would assail.
In fact, it was only their derision that prompted this parable,
As they would often seek out our Saviour in order to Him thus grill.
Yes, it’s so hard to imagine how anyone could hold to such views,
But this is just what can happen when people God’s holy light refuse.
And such has ever been the case, that where truth is wrongly cast aside,
Either non-belief or some fiction, soon into that vacuum will glide.
Christ met people on their own ground, utilizing things that they believed
To thereby convey certain lessons whereby truth might then be received.
And quite often He used parables like this one that is mentioned here,
Employing things they’d understand, in order to misconceptions clear.
So, what was our Lord trying to convey to these hostile Pharisees,
Who were so sure of their own knowledge, and so impossible to please?
This: That each man and woman determines their eternal destiny
In this life — that is, before they die, for no second chance there will be!
The rich man in this parable that Christ mentioned, was clearly well aware
Of the fate that's awaiting all who show the same lack of thought and care.
And therefore, he had no excuse, and therefore, no second chance deserved,
As all throughout his life on earth, he had never our Master served.
By Lance Landall