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[The rich man] cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. – Jesus (Luke 16:24)
Jesus told a parable about a rich man and a poor man. Most focus on wealth aspect – in the story the rich man ends up in hell and the poor man ends up in pre-heaven, “Abraham’s Bosom”, the place the Jews believed the faithful awaited the advent of Christ.
Few notice both the men were descendants of Abraham. The hearers commonly believed all descendants of Abraham were an automatic shoe-in to God’s kingdom.
The story indicates entrance into heaven is not a matter of heritage but personal faith and if one ignores what God has already said, more evidence won’t make a difference – note the conclusion:
Then he said … father … send [Lazarus] to my father’s house:…that he may testify … lest they also come into this place of torment … Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them …. If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. – Luke 16:27-31
We can apply, today, that being a member of a church or religious group is not enough, one must have a personal faith.
– fritz.
Patrikin - Kinship through The Father 