Abraham’s Bosom

April 23

When a believer dies, does he/she go straight to heaven?

Well, the story of The Rich Man and the Beggar Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 might leave you wondering. It’s another great example of why exploring the immediate context and overarching context of a particular Bible verse or passage is so important. The immediate context of a Bible verse or passage is simply the surrounding verses, chapter, and book a verse is found within. These things give us the who, what, where, and why: who the author was speaking/writing to—the immediate audience (Jew, Gentile, the Church, etc.), what he was talking about—the subject in question, where he was saying it (Jerusalem, Samaria, Galatia, etc.,), and why he was saying it—the circumstances or reasons for the address.

Overarching context considers what the rest of the Bible says about the subject in question: For example, if it’s a New Testament question, does the Old Testament address it in some way? If so, where, when, and what does it say? If it’s a New Testament question, is the subject addressed before the Cross & Resurrection of Jesus or after? This last question will actually answer the question we began with today, and you’ll see why in a few minutes.

First, Jesus notes that the poor man Lazarus died and was carried to “Abraham’s side.” Here’s our who of immediate context. This is THE Abraham from the Old Testament—founder .of the Hebrew nation, the one to whom God said, “All the peoples on earth will be blessed through you,” speaking of how Abraham would become the father of all who believe (Genesis 12:3; Romans 4:16). In John 8:39, replying to angry Pharisees wanting to kill him, Jesus replied, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do what Abraham did,” referring also to Abraham’s belief/faith in Him.

Now, let’s talk about the what. This place, “Abraham’s side,” is clearly some sort of safe place in the afterlife for believers. After all, Abraham’s here. Lazarus is delivered here by angels. (v. 22) They’re both at peace, and other believers are also here as Abraham says to the rich man in verse 26, “THOSE who want to pass over from here to you cannot; neither can those from there cross over to us.” So, we have a safe place in the afterlife, but where is this place—heaven?

We know that this special place can be seen from Hades—the fiery place of torment where the rich man was taken. Throughout the New Testament, Hades refers to the abode of the dead, but specifically an inescapable place of punishment for the unbelieving. An impassable chasm also separates Hades from the place Jesus calls “Abraham’s side.” The Greek word translated “side” (kolpos) is better rendered as “bosom” or “bay” because it refers to the natural chest “pocket” that was made when a man donned his robe, folded one flap over the other, and cinched it with his belt. A man often rested his hand here.

More importantly, though, as men, messengers, and soldiers traveled at this time, they placed valuables in this hidden pocket to ensure their safety. Money, jewelry, secret messages, official documents, family papers… anything of the utmost importance went here. Abraham, Lazarus, and other believers are in a safe, secret place, where valuables are not lost and right next to God’s heart, it would seem. All of this information gives us the immediate context for Lazarus’ afterlife question.

Now, we need to consider the overarching context. Is there another “safe, secret place” mentioned in the Bible? Yes! In Luke 23:43, Jesus told the thief on the cross, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” This ancient Persian word (paradeisos) referred to a special enclosure like a garden or park, an Eden-type place. Another puzzle piece of overarching context here is that, by this time in his gospel, Luke has already mentioned “heaven” (Gr., ouranos) nineteen times! So, if Jesus was referring to the actual “heaven” in Luke 16, it’s safe to say that He would have used that word—not these other special ones. Luke 23:43 is also the last time the New Testament mentions a safe, secret place for believers. There is no other mention of this place after the Cross and Resurrection of Jesus, and now we have our why.

After Christ’s perfect sacrifice for sin, there was no need for a special holding place for believers. Because of Jesus’ finished work, the way to heaven was opened forever! This is why Paul could say with confidence in 2 Corinthians 5:8 that, for the believer, to be absent from the body is “to be present with the Lord.” When Jesus rose from the grave, Paul notes in Ephesians 4:8 that He fulfilled the prophecy of Psalm 68:18, saying, “When He ascended on high He led a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.” This ancient form of post-war celebration involved the victorious general leading his army in a triumphal procession, along with all ransomed war captives, all of the enemy prisoners, and all of their armor and treasures down the main street of the city. (Colossians 2:14-15) And, this is the picture the New Testament gives us of Jesus’ post-war celebration: All the saints who’d waited in faith for years in Abraham’s bosom went home that day—marching down the great street of heaven, right behind General Jesus in triumphal procession.

Because of sin, everyone’s default destination is Hades, unless he/she believes in Jesus. (Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23) Hebrews 9:27 says that, after we die, the next thing is judgment. Have you secured your final destiny in Heaven? The only way to do so is to throw yourself onto the mercy seat of God and put your faith in Jesus. If you do, when you die, you will go straight to Heaven—no layover in Paradise/Abraham’s Bosom—because Jesus’ blood paved the way and threw open the gates.

If you do not, Hades will be your next stop—the fiery, tormenting abode of the dead. You might even see that rich man there and hear once more his ringing words, along with many other fearful souls. But, sadly, this will not be the final stop or fire. That is Gehenna—the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15) It is forever.

Please, if you sense God speaking to you in these words, do not test Him. Call on Jesus now to save you from your sins, and reach out to us if you do. We would love to help you get started on your new journey to Heaven!