Now I am truly stunned on this one. I have of course read this many times and have never come away with the idea that it was anything other than a story. Here are just some of the reasons: 1. It's past tense. 2. There is no name to the poor man. 3. Do you really believe there was a Lazarus that had a real conversation with Abraham? It's true this isn't the typical parable. But I just don't buy the idea that it's a real story that happened in the past.
But, second of all, and more importantly, you cannot build a doctrine upon this imo for many reasons: 1. It's only one passage. 2. The rich guy could have just been a nasty individual who was truly getting what he deserved. 3. This verse in no way implies or states that this state will go on forever, i.e. he could be destroyed at the end of the age. Think about it: the whole theory of a Miltonian hell is built on one semi-parable in the New Testament. What does that tell me? That the position is weak at best. You should always have at least 3 passages to support a major doctrine imo...
Funny how you think you have the authority to PICK AND CHOOSE what REALLY happened and what didnt Come on man... how about some consistency here? Funny.... I think the same thing of the ENTIRE bible.... I just dont think its a real story that happened in the past peace axeman
OOOOOOOOooooooooooooh I see!!! So I can automatically reject EVERYTHING in the bible that is not mentioned at least 3 times??? Is THAT what you are saying? peace axeman
These only prove that hell is permanent in nature and something to be afraid of. They in no way prove hell is a place of endless torture. For example, let me ask you a question: do you really think that Jesus was saying that people in hell would have worms eating at them like some kind of maggot infested torture chamber? Well, for the record, I don't think so for one second!
There are many verses describing the destruction of the wicked of which I am sure you are familiar. Here's a few to start with: "For there will be no future for the evil man; the lamp of the wicked will be put out." Pr 22:20 "But these enemies of mine, who did ot want me to reign over them, brign them here, and slay them in my presence." Lk 19:27 "And do not fear him who kills the body but is unable to kill the sould; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both body and soul in hell." Mt 10:28 To me these verses and many others are crystal clear. The wicked and those who reject God will go away at some point in the future...
I know, but let Turok and I have a conversation about this. Turok is arguing strictly from an interpretational standpoint and I understand that...
I would not build a major doctrine unless it was in there at least three times. And you will find all major ones are...
Dude...slow down and read what I have written in the past. I am not trying to prove or disprove an *enternal* hell. I am only demonstrating that THERE IS NO SILENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ...and additionally that hell IS fiery in nature and is a torturous place (all things that you seem to want to disbelieve) JB