Footnote

b If we did not view Jesus to be telling a parable but something literal in meaning, what would Abraham’s words mean? This: that salvation from Hades and from fiery torments is to be gained by taking just Moses (or the Law) and the Prophets without needing the inspired writings of Jesus’ disciples, the New Testament, as many call it. There are many professed Christians that say we do not need the Old Testament or “Moses and the Prophets”; but here Abraham says they need “Moses and the Prophets”, without mentioning the so-called “New Testament”. Another thing: If the literal Abraham were here meant, dead then over eighteen centuries, how could he be in the grave and know anything about Moses and the Prophets, men who came hundreds of years after his death? (Isa. 38:18; Ps. 6:5) Also, in view of Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10, how could the rich man in Hades, Sheol or hell speak to Abraham? And, in view of Job 14:19-22, how could he see Lazarus’ change in condition and coming to divine honor? Only if Jesus spoke a parable could the things he described here be possible.