A View of the Afterlife

A little story told by Jesus Christ

There was a rich man who wore expensive clothes. Every day was like a party to him. There was also a beggar named Lazarus who was regularly brought to the gate of the rich man's house. Lazarus would have eaten any scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Lazarus was covered with sores, and dogs would lick them.

One day the beggar died, and the angels carried him to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. He went to hell, where he was constantly tortured. As he looked up, in the distance he saw Abraham and Lazarus. He yelled, 'Father Abraham! Have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool off my tongue. I am suffering in this fire.'

Abraham replied, 'Remember, my child, that you had a life filled with good times, while Lazarus' life was filled with misery. Now he has peace here, while you suffer. Besides, a wide area separates us. People couldn't cross it in either direction even if they wanted to.'

The rich man responded, 'Then I ask you, Father, to send Lazarus back to my father's home. I have five brothers. He can warn them so that they won't end up in this place of torture.'

Abraham replied, 'They have Moses' Teachings and the Prophets. Your brothers should listen to them!'

The rich man replied, 'No, Father Abraham! If someone comes back to them from the dead, they will turn to God and change the way they think and act.'

Abraham answered him, 'If they won't listen to Moses' Teachings and the Prophets, they won't be persuaded even if someone comes back to life.'

What does this mean?

• Jesus told this story to show us what to expect after we die.
• Life continues after death. You can remember, feel, speak, etc.
• Some people go to Paradise (with Abraham), and others go to hell.
• You cannot change your situation after you die.
• If you do not listen to the teachings in the Bible now, it will be too late then.

The story above is from the Bible (Luke chapter 16, God’s Word translation). The Bible tells that Jesus is the Son of God, who died on a cross to pay for our sins. He rose from the dead, and will return one day to judge every person. If you trust and obey Jesus Christ now, you will be forgiven and granted eternal life.