Note 1 at Lu 16:19: Some have argued that because of the word "certain" in this verse, this was an actual story that happened and not a parable. In Lu 12:16, the word "certain" is used in the account of the rich fool, and yet that verse says that Jesus was teaching a parable. Therefore, it is unclear in this instance whether Jesus was teaching from a true life experience or from a parable.

It is important to realize, however, that all of Jesus' parables were dealing with realities that were accurate in every detail. This story, whether a parable or an actual happening, does present hell and Abraham's bosom as real places. Hell really exists, and this story represents it as a place of fire and torment.

This story clearly teaches that there is life after death. It shows that there is no "soul sleep" (see note 14 at Joh 5:28) where our souls are awaiting the resurrection of our bodies, but we go into a conscious eternity immediately (Lu 23:43, 2Co 5:6-8, and Php 1:23). It also shows that there are only two destinations possible after death: a place of torment for the wicked or a place of blessing for the righteous. There is no "limbo" or "purgatory," and there is no second chance (Lu 16:26).