‘1. Regarding Lazarus and the Rick Man, this parable is about the state of the dead prior to the last judgement, so it would have no bearing on the condition of those in the Lake of Fire.’
So, prior to the Day of Judgment, people are judged. Some are sent to a ‘place of torment’ while others are comforted. After that, comes the Second Judgment.
That is a remarkable interpretation. Entirely non-Biblical, but quite remarkable.
I’ll get to Pharaoh after I’ve heard your explanation of the Two Judgments.
‘The majority of the dead have never heard of Moses, the Prophets, or Jesus, yet their destiny is the same’
This is Calvin’s problem, not mine. Jesus dealt with it handily, to Calvinism’s demolition:
‘“And that slave who knew his master’s will and did not get ready or act in accord with his will, will receive many lashes, 48 but the one who did not know it, and committed deeds worthy of a flogging, will receive but few. From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.”’ [citation above]
Your responded: "So, prior to the Day of Judgment, people are judged. Some are sent to a ‘place of torment’ while others are comforted. After that, comes the Second Judgment.
That is a remarkable interpretation. Entirely non-Biblical, but quite remarkable.
Of course it is before the final judgement, 3 reasons:
1. The Rich Man is in Hades, not the Lake of Fire (Luke 16:23)
2. If the view of Lazarus and the rich man were after the Final Judgement, why would the Rich Man want Lazarus to go tell his five brothers so they could correct their ways? It would be too late for them as well.
3. Jesus announced that "...they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead (Luke 16:31). He was referring to his own resurrection, that had not occured yet.