[cuban leaf]

What was the rich man’s sin? What did the poor man do to be in Abraham’s bosom?

The parable is not about heaven and hell. It is about Israel. The five brothers is the hint.

https://christianity.stackexchange.com/questions/31393/who-are-the-five-brothers-mentioned-in-the-story-of-lazarus-and-the-rich-man-lu

And here is an interesting thought: in the parable he wanted Lazarus to go back and tell his five brothers, and it was made clear that it would not matter. Interestingly, after this, Jesus DID bring Lazarus back from the grave. :)

Anyway, for much more detail:http://www.tentmaker.org/articles/Lazarus-byHuie.htm

[HarleyD]

I'm not quite clear as to what you think Hell happens to be. If there was no punishment in rejecting Christ, then why bother preaching Christ at all? On the other hand if Hell is eternal punishment (e.g. darkness, fire, banishment, etc.) then it is very important that we warn people.

Hellfire and Brimstone: Interpreting the New Testament’s Descriptions of Hell

15 Sobering Reminders About Hell (And What It Means for Us)

I know Hell isn't a popular topic these days. "Why would a loving God cast people in Hell?" is what I often hear. The real question should be, "Why would one reject God's message of being redeemed and sharing eternal joy with Christ?" The answer to that question is that they simply love their sin more than they love God.

God has sent prophet after prophet calling for us to turn to Him so that we might live a wonderful life. We reject it. He has shown us all sorts of marvelous signs and wonders. We quickly dismiss them. He clothes and takes care of us. We complain for more. The angels fear to look upon God's glory and holiness. We treat it as nothing. And finally, if that wasn't enough, to top it all off He sends His Son who leaves the glories of Heaven to atone for our sinful behavior. Many poo-poo that idea. And you think there will not be eternal punishment for such behavior? HA!

The historical view of the Christians throughout the ages has been a literal Hell. I see no reason to change this view especially in light of the warnings in scripture.

Mat 13:37  He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 
Mat 13:38  The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, 
Mat 13:39  and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 
Mat 13:40  Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. 
Mat 13:41  The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 
Mat 13:42  and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 
Mat 13:43  Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear. 

There are many who would rather suffer Hell than to live with Christ. That is just how evil we are. To think any other way is not to understand our nature.