Uploaded August 2021 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Is the story of the rich man and Lazarus a historical account, or is it a parable?
Two men died. One went to a place of pleasure, while the other went to a place of torment. While there, they could see each other and converse. While we learn a lot about the afterlife from this story, there are two things we will consider in this video:
1. Is this a historical account or a parable?
2. What was Jesus teaching?
Regardless of our conclusion, the teaching of Jesus holds true. So, if you don’t agree with me, remember that whether it is a factual account or a parable does not change anything about what Jesus taught.
Here are the arguments that it is a historical account:
1. It does not claim to be a parable
2. People could not identify with it
3. It gives a proper name
4. It says "a certain man"
Each of the above arguments seem plausible, but they each have counterarguments.
Here are the arguments that it is a parable:
1. Both men had physical bodies (which shouldn't happen until the resurrection)
2. The men could see each other and converse
I think it is likely that this is a parable rather than a historical account. However, the teaching of Jesus holds true:
1. Conscious life continues after death for everyone
2. Eternal destiny cannot be changed after death
3. There are only two options – torment or bliss
4. Wealth is insufficient for salvation
Remember to check out my previous video: Is there really a Hell? youtu.be/mB-YIgqdkbo
You can read this article here: benhammond.org/lazarus-and-the-rich-man-luke-16-parable-or-history
#Lazarus #richman #Luke16 #Hades #Hell #afterlife #parable
Check out my ASL channel here:
youtube.com/channel/UC3lyvykCXlmGZ7V-XwHdhlg?sub_confirmation=1
youtube.com/channel/UCW3e7xQd0mThCLvu2QIVSxw?sub_confirmation=1
Is the story of the rich man and Lazarus a historical account, or is it a parable?
Two men died. One went to a place of pleasure, while the other went to a place of torment. While there, they could see each other and converse. While we learn a lot about the afterlife from this story, there are two things we will consider in this video:
1. Is this a historical account or a parable?
2. What was Jesus teaching?
Regardless of our conclusion, the teaching of Jesus holds true. So, if you don’t agree with me, remember that whether it is a factual account or a parable does not change anything about what Jesus taught.
Here are the arguments that it is a historical account:
1. It does not claim to be a parable
2. People could not identify with it
3. It gives a proper name
4. It says "a certain man"
Each of the above arguments seem plausible, but they each have counterarguments.
Here are the arguments that it is a parable:
1. Both men had physical bodies (which shouldn't happen until the resurrection)
2. The men could see each other and converse
I think it is likely that this is a parable rather than a historical account. However, the teaching of Jesus holds true:
1. Conscious life continues after death for everyone
2. Eternal destiny cannot be changed after death
3. There are only two options – torment or bliss
4. Wealth is insufficient for salvation
Remember to check out my previous video: Is there really a Hell? youtu.be/mB-YIgqdkbo
You can read this article here: benhammond.org/lazarus-and-the-rich-man-luke-16-parable-or-history
#Lazarus #richman #Luke16 #Hades #Hell #afterlife #parable
Check out my ASL channel here:
youtube.com/channel/UC3lyvykCXlmGZ7V-XwHdhlg?sub_confirmation=1
youtube.com/channel/UCW3e7xQd0mThCLvu2QIVSxw?sub_confirmation=1
