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Last Updated: Jan 19, 2007 - 12:43:17 AM |
Introduction
The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is the only portion of Scripture which gives us personal insight into the feelings of the lost after death. The Bible tells us that “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2), but many people keep putting off their need to get right with God. One day everyone will awake to the spiritual and eternal truths of God’s word, but for most it will be a day too late. Such was the case of the Rich Man.
He acknowledged his sin a day too late
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:23-24).
Moments after his death the Rich Man found himself in Hell, and quickly realised that there was no way out and no second chance. He was a real believer now, but the day of salvation had passed for him!
So many think that they can wait a few years before they repent. They want to enjoy life with its pleasures and luxuries, while they are still young, forgetting that death is no respecter of age. The Rich Man desired the same things the lost do today, “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day” (Luke 16:19). They perceive Christians to be fools and God’s commandments as a burden. They want a second chance, but no such thing exists when it comes to repentance. No one gets two chances, though they do have two choices, today or never. J. C. Ryle, the first bishop of Liverpool, wrote, “Death is a great fact that all acknowledge, but very few seem to realise.”
He realised his spiritual condition a day too late
“But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence” (Luke 16:25-26).
This was no near death experience, it was the real thing. There was no going back to correct mistakes. While he lived he did not value the price of his soul. He owned great riches on earth, but not enough to buy eternal life. He had neglected “so great salvation” (Hebrews 2:3). Now he understood that his eternal soul was the most valuable and priceless thing he ever possessed.
Countless millions in Hell are expert bookkeepers. They know the exact cost of their own souls. They have a ledger containing everything they did, said and thought that had led them to that place. They know that it all adds up and they have got what they deserve, “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
He prayed a day too late
“Then he said, I pray thee therefore” (Luke 16:27).
He had no time for prayer on earth. He surely didn’t pray over his food or else he would have been convicted about the beggar at his door. “And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:24). His plea for a drop of water was rejected just as he had closed his ears to Lazarus’ cry for a crumb of bread.
There is no mercy for those in Hell. All they have is the eternal wrath of God, “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Thessalonians 1:8). There will be no easing of everlasting punishment, no reincarnation to look forward too, and no parole for good behaviour. Those who think that a purgatory awaits them will realise their mistake a day too late. “Hell is nothing more than truth known too late” (Anon).
He was concerned for the lost a day too late
“Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment” (Luke 16:27).
Now he has a heart-breaking concern for his family and friends. God does not hear the prayers of the dead! They will never be heard no matter how they might cry out for the salvation of their loved ones on earth. He asks for a second chance for them, but they already have their own day of salvation. Anyway, had they not ignored both God and the beggar too? They will end up in Hell too if they do not repent.
In Hell the Rich Man begins to think of others rather than himself. He had been thoughtless and selfish. He loved money and never gave a thought for God. “But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD” (Jeremiah 9:24). If he could be sent back he would be the world’s greatest evangelist, missionary and preacher rolled into one.
There is no salvation for those who reject the word of God. Our relatives, friends and acquaintances have access to the Bible, churches and believers, but they continue to shun them. Remember though, that it is still our responsibility to warn them about their eternal destiny. The God they mock now they will cry out to in Hell, but it will be a day too late for them.
Conclusion
Today is the day to listen and respond to God’s word, for tomorrow will be too late for many. Some wait for more evidence that God is real, but reject the Bible. They will not be convinced by miracles or great preachers if they dismiss the Scriptures. “Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead” (Luke 16:29-31).
To put off repentance is to damn the soul. To wait another day is to wait too long. One day it will be too late!
Article Source: http://www.articlesfor.us
www.LWBC.c.uk
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