why did the rich man go to hell and Lazarus go to heaven?(3)

Filed under: by:

Luke 16:30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

The main thing that we must do to reach the presence of the Lord is repent. Repentance can only be done when we lives. When we're death there will be no repentance.

This is what underlies why these rich people can not enter to heaven. He himself said when in hell asked to Abraham for someone dies who rise up and told about repentance for his brothers.

The words of these rich people give us the conclusion that during his lifetime he did not repent. During his life he did not want to hear the word of God. So it was not because he is rich then he went to hell.

Similarly with Lazarus, Lazarus to go to Heaven nor because he is poor. But because he repented and obeyed God. This can be seen in the words of Father Abraham who said so:

Luke 16:29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.

What is said by Abraham illustrates that every person who listen and do the word of God then he will gain eternal life. He will receive the kingdom of heaven. Including Lazarus certainly listen and obey God. Because the word of God is alive.

So from here we can take the conclusion that Lazarus could go to heaven not because Lazarus was poor, but because Lazarus listen and obey God. Rich is not a sin, so poor is not a sin. Although we are rich but if you do and listen to God's commandments, we will surely attain salvation in heaven.

Instead though we are poor but we do not want to hear and do God's word, we will not obtain salvation in heaven. So that is the measure we go to heaven is our willingness to listen and do God's word.
God bless you

3 comments:

On March 17, 2010 at 9:15 AM , Andrea said...

Yes, God is looking for our obedience! It is better than sacrifice!

Blessings,

Andrea

 
On March 17, 2010 at 3:37 PM , Sarah said...

Love this post! Thanks for sharing. I hope you don't mind if I splash around a bit and get to know you.

Splashing,
Sara

 
On March 17, 2010 at 5:05 PM , Carina said...

Thank you for this clear picture of the "whys" of the rich man/ poor man parable. An interesting take on it. You are right, all of us have the same chance to come to Christ.