Luk 16:31 | MHM | STEP | v. 31 : Abraham said, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” Those who would make the rich man’s praying to Abraham justify praying to saints departed, go far to seek for proofs, when the mistake of a damned sinner is all they can find for an example. And surely there is no encouragement to follow the example, when all his prayers were made in vain. A messenger from the dead could say no more than what is said in the Scriptures. The same strength of corruption that breaks through the convictions of the written word would triumph over a witness from the dead. Let us seek to the law and to the testimony (Isaiah 8:19–20), for that is the sure word of prophecy, upon which we may rest (2 Peter 1:19). Summary and Application This parable serves as a solemn warning to all. It teaches us that earthly prosperity is no sign of God’s favor, nor is earthly adversity a sign of His displeasure. The rich man’s sin was not in his wealth but in his self-centeredness and neglect of those in need. Lazarus’s virtue was not in his poverty but in his faithfulness to God despite his circumstances. The parable also emphasizes the finality of eternal judgment. There comes a point when it is too late for repentance, when the great chasm cannot be crossed. This should drive us to urgency in our spiritual concerns and compassion for those still living. Finally, we are reminded that circumstances in every age show that no terrors or arguments can give true repentance without the special grace of God renewing the sinner’s heart. We have all we need in God’s Word; let us not seek for signs and wonders when we should be heeding what has already been revealed.

‏ Luke 16:31

v. 31: Abraham said, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” Those who would make the rich man’s praying to Abraham justify praying to saints departed, go far to seek for proofs, when the mistake of a damned sinner is all they can find for an example. And surely there is no encouragement to follow the example, when all his prayers were made in vain. A messenger from the dead could say no more than what is said in the Scriptures. The same strength of corruption that breaks through the convictions of the written word would triumph over a witness from the dead. Let us seek to the law and to the testimony (Isaiah 8:19–20), for that is the sure word of prophecy, upon which we may rest (2 Peter 1:19).

Summary and Application

This parable serves as a solemn warning to all. It teaches us that earthly prosperity is no sign of God’s favor, nor is earthly adversity a sign of His displeasure. The rich man’s sin was not in his wealth but in his self-centeredness and neglect of those in need. Lazarus’s virtue was not in his poverty but in his faithfulness to God despite his circumstances.

The parable also emphasizes the finality of eternal judgment. There comes a point when it is too late for repentance, when the great chasm cannot be crossed. This should drive us to urgency in our spiritual concerns and compassion for those still living.

Finally, we are reminded that circumstances in every age show that no terrors or arguments can give true repentance without the special grace of God renewing the sinner’s heart. We have all we need in God’s Word; let us not seek for signs and wonders when we should be heeding what has already been revealed.