What is the meaning of Luke 16:29? But Abraham replied – In Jesus’ true account of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31), Abraham is not merely a story device; he is a real patriarch speaking from the place of comfort promised to those of faith (Luke 13:28; Matthew 8:11). – His response shows that even in the realm beyond death, the authority of God’s written Word stands unchanged (Psalm 119:89). – Abraham dismisses the rich man’s plea for a supernatural sign, underscoring that divine revelation is already complete and sufficient (Isaiah 8:20). They have Moses and the Prophets – “Moses” represents the Law; “the Prophets” covers the rest of the Old Testament. Together they form the Scriptures available in Jesus’ day (John 5:45-47; Acts 28:23). – These writings clearly testify to the coming Messiah and the way of salvation (Deuteronomy 18:15; Isaiah 53; Luke 24:27). – Bullet points of sufficiency: • Reveal God’s holy character and human sin (Romans 3:20). • Proclaim the promise of atonement (Leviticus 17:11; Isaiah 53:5-6). • Call for repentance and faith (Ezekiel 18:30-32; Habakkuk 2:4). – The same Scriptures still lead to “salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15-16). Let your brothers – Abraham’s directive shifts responsibility to the living: the rich man’s brothers still have time to respond (Hebrews 9:27). – Each person must heed God’s Word personally; no one can rely on another’s experience or intervention (Ezekiel 18:20; Romans 14:12). – Family ties, social standing, or earthly wealth cannot bridge the chasm fixed after death (Luke 16:26; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Listen to them – “Listen” implies hearing with obedience, not mere awareness (James 1:22; Deuteronomy 6:4). – Genuine faith is born from hearing the Word about Christ (Romans 10:17); rejecting that Word hardens the heart (Acts 28:25-27). – Miraculous signs, even a resurrection, will not convince those who disdain Scripture (Luke 16:31; John 12:10-11). – The call remains urgent: submit to God’s written revelation while the opportunity lasts (2 Corinthians 6:2; Hebrews 3:7-8). summary Luke 16:29 affirms that Scripture alone—“Moses and the Prophets”—provides all the light needed for salvation and godly living. Abraham’s words teach that the living must respond to that light now, with obedient faith, because no post-mortem evidence can replace the clear, authoritative testimony God has already given. |
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