Bible Study

1. Questions: “Is there life after death?” " What Happens When You Die?” LUKE 16:19-31

2. The Realities of Heaven and Hell LUKE 16:19-31

8. Three major differences I. (16:19-21) Life : a. The rich man was nameless, but Lazarus was named. Lazarus, means God is my Help. b. The rich man was wealthy; Lazarus was poor. c. The rich man was healthy; Lazarus was disabled. d. The rich man ate sumptuously; Lazarus had to beg.

12. II. (16:22) Death : Lazarus died and was escorted to Abraham’s bosom or Paradise; synonym used for the Kingdom of God, Heaven . 1. Lazarus lived on despite his body being dead . His being—his spirit and soul—did not die, nor cease to exist, nor fall into a state of sleep. 2. Lazarus’ soul was immediately met by angels . Instantaneously—as quick as the blinking of an eye—when Lazarus died, the angels stood by his body and carried his soul into Abraham’s Bosom.

14. II. (16:22) Death : Rich man died and was buried in Hades; synonym used for the Hell. Note the only words said about the rich man’s death: “He died and was buried.” What a terrible and disappointing legacy for a man to leave behind. The rich man was probably buried in state in the finest clothes and within the very best grave and cemetery.

15. III. (16:23-31) Eternity : 1. The rich man was in hell; “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal” (Matthew 25:46).

17. a. The rich man was able to see Lazarus; hear and talk to Abraham. “There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out” (Luke 13:28).

19. b. The rich man was able to feel torment. “And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night” (Rev. 14:11).

21. c. The rich man was able to taste . “...the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable” (Luke 3:17).

23. The rich man remembered... · his sins (comfort, ease, indulgence, pleasure, extravagance). · · his missed opportunities (to help Lazarus). · · his deaf ear to conscience, God, the Word, Lazarus, and all others who were so needy. · · his failure to seek the truth (Hebrews 11:6). · · his rejection of warning after warning. 2. Lazarus was in Abraham’s Bosom; d. The rich man had memories of the past.

25. e. The rich man realized the truth and had compassion for others. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36).

27. Unbelief: --- To what does the passage liken unbelief? … v.31 --- Not listening to the Scriptures … the message of the Bible --- Note what it says about unbelief --- Unbelief will not be shaken, even by supernatural persuasion like someone rising from the dead.

28. Notes 1. The rich man was unable to intercede for his family; Lazarus rested in God’s presence.

29. Note the words, “Neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.” Man’s unbelief is not due to lack of signs; it is due to their love for the world with all its creature comforts and recognition, indulgence and selfishness, pleasures and honors. A Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, has risen from the dead, yet men do not believe.

30. John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me;” The Scriptures and their testimony of the Lord’s resurrection are much greater testimony than a dead man standing before us in some ghostly, mysterious form

32. What is Hell like? Hell is eternal separation, death, from God. (2Thessalonians 1:9) It is a place of great suffering and torment. (Revelation 20:10) It is a place of darkness, hidden from the light. (Jude 1:13) It is a place of unquenchable fire. (Mark 9:47-48)

36. What is Heaven like? It is a place of eternal life. (Revelation 22:5) It is a place of eternal light. (Revelation 22:5) It is a place of great beauty. (Rev. 21:10-21;22:7) It is a place without death. (Revelation 21:4) It is a place without sorrow and tears. (Rev. 21:4) It is a place without pain. (Revelation 21:4)

47. Eternal Life …in Heaven or Hell … your choice Hebrews 9:27, “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,”