LUKE 16:19-31 IS NOT A PARABLE

SIX REASONS LUKE 16:19-31 CANNOT BE A PARABLE

1.  It would be the only parable in the Bible that describes certain things that are outside of the realm of human experience. All the other parables talk about things that we are familiar with such as birds, seed, fields, pearls, wheat, barns, leaven, fish, etc. (see Matthew 13, etc.).  This passage is different because it talks about what happens to two men after death, and this is a realm where none of us have had any personal experience. A parable is an earthly story with a heavenly or spiritual significance but Luke 16 transcends the realm of the earthly.

2.  It would be the only parable in the Bible that uses a proper name (Lazarus).

3.  It would be the only parable in the Bible that makes mention repeatedly of a historical person--Abraham. Moreover, this historical person actually carries on a dialogue with the rich man! Indeed, mention is also made in this parable of  Moses, another historical character.  What other parable speaks of real, historical persons?

 

4.  It would be the only parable in the Bible that describes the places where the dead go (Hades, Abraham's bosom, a place of torment).

5. It would be the only parable in the Bible that makes mention of angels.  Compare Matthew 13 verses 24-30, 36-43, 47-49 where angels are mentioned in the explanation of the parable but not in the parable itself.

6. If Hades is not really a place of torment then this would be the only parable in the Bible where the Lord Jesus taught error instead of truth. GOD FORBID!

A MAN CAN ACCEPT CHRIST'S DEATH AS PAYMENT FOR HIS SIN

- - - - - - - OR - - - - - - -

HE WILL SPEND ETERNITY WISHING HE HAD!