TOO LATE

The writer of the Epistle of Hebrews 9:27, whom many commentators believed was the Apostle Paul, made this grave statement to the Hebrew Christians informing them that once they die, the life they lived on earth is sealed, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” There is no reincarnation or opportunity to change previously made choices. This fact is evident in the narrative Jesus shared with the Pharisees in Luke 16:19-31.

Jesus told them of a rich man and a sick beggar named Lazarus. The rich man lived sumptuously and displayed no compassion or empathy for hungry, sore-riden Lazarus, who was stationed at the rich man’s gate, desiring to get some of the crumbs that fell from his table. This did not occur; eventually, Lazarus died and was escorted by angels into Abraham’s bosom. When the rich man died, he went to hell where he was tormented, and from there he could see Lazarus resting securely and peacefully in Abraham’s bosom. In the parable, a reversal of positions is now seen, and it is the rich man who is suffering while Lazarus is in comfort.

The rich man, begging for mercy, asked Abraham to send Lazarus with water to cool his tongue, to which Abraham replied, highlighting the reversal of positions taken by the rich man and Lazarus. Additionally, it was stated that passing back and forth between these two places was impossible, as there was an unbridgeable chasm between them.

The rich man believed that if a dead person communicated a warning to the living, the living would listen; therefore, he concluded his conversation with Abraham by asking him to send Lazarus to his five living brothers to warn them not to end up in hell. However, Abraham responded, ” If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

This parable serves two purposes. The first reveals that a rich person’s indifference to the less fortunate will eventually be judged. The second is a portrait of the afterlife, which is the focus of this blog and which leads to the following truths.

Your socioeconomic status does not determine your eternal residence; it is your relationship with God that does, for he has the final say.

Upon death, angels accompany believers into paradise.

After death, your spirit continues to live.

After death, you will realize your eternal plight.

Your memory remains intact after death.

Hell is a place of torment, not comfort.

Mercy is not extended to unbelievers after death.

There is a permanent, impenetrable divide between hell and paradise.

Dead people cannot send messages to the living.

After reading the above truths, I encourage you not to let the phrase “too late” be your experience. If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, invite Him into your life now, for tomorrow is not promised to any of us.