What does "remember that in your lifetime" teach about accountability before God? Setting the Scene Luke 16:19-31 records Jesus’ account of the rich man and Lazarus. After death, the rich man—now in torment—hears Abraham say: “ ‘Child, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, just as Lazarus received bad things; but now he is comforted here, while you are in agony.’ ” (Luke 16:25) Unpacking the Phrase “remember that in your lifetime” • Remember – the rich man retains conscious memory; his earthly choices follow him beyond the grave. • That in your lifetime – the span God granted for repentance and stewardship is fixed; accountability is tied to what was done while breath remained. Accountability in Three Dimensions 1. Personal Responsibility • The rich man cannot plead ignorance; his own memories indict him. • No one else is blamed—wealth itself is not condemned, but selfish misuse of it is. 2. Irrevocable Outcome • The call to “remember” comes after death, when destiny is sealed (Hebrews 9:27). • Earthly opportunities for mercy have passed; the judgment now stands (Luke 16:26). 3. Perfect Justice • God weighs what each person “received” and how it was handled (Luke 12:48). • The reversal of comfort and agony shows divine fairness—“each will receive his pay for what he has done” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Supporting Scriptures • Romans 14:12 – “So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.” • Ecclesiastes 12:14 – “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.” • James 4:17 – “Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” • Proverbs 19:17 – “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the Lord, and He will repay.” Take-Away Truths • Memory survives death; our past choices remain evidence before God. • Earthly life is the God-given window for repentance, generosity, and obedience. • Divine judgment is individual, just, and final—there are no post-mortem negotiations. • Stewarding today’s opportunities in light of eternity is the path of true wisdom. |
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