Abraham's bosom is mentioned in Luke 16:22, where Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham's side after his death, indicating a place of peace and rest. Jesus referred to Abraham as a symbol of those awaiting heaven, affirming that Abraham was alive with God in the paradise side of Hades (the realm of the dead) (Matthew 22:31-32). The story contrasts Lazarus's comfort in Abraham's bosom with the rich man's torment, highlighting the eternal destinations of those who trust in God versus those who do not. Abraham's bosom represents a place of peace and comfort, reserved for the faithful, while the rich man’s torment reflects eternal separation from God. Our eternal destination is determined by our faith in Jesus Christ, calling us to live in light of eternity and seek a relationship with God.
Abraham's side or Abraham's bosom is a reference to being in a place of rest awaiting his final destination in heaven. Before Christ, when people died, they went to Sheol (in Hebrew)/ Hades (in Greek). Sheol and Hades simply refer to the realm of the dead. According to Scripture, there was a paradise side—Abraham's bosom—and a torment side within this realm (Luke 16:22–23; Luke 23:43). The lake of fire — which is the permanent place of hell — will not be fully in effect until the final judgment after the millennial kingdom (Revelation 20:14–15), although the beast and the false prophet are cast into it earlier (Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10). Heaven was opened to the righteous after Jesus rose from the dead (Ephesians 4:8–10; Matthew 27:52–53; Hebrews 10:19–20). The original audience at the time that the Gospel of Luke was written would have understood the paradise and torment side of Sheol/Hades. Jesus using the term “Abraham’s bosom” shows that the place where believers prior to Jesus’ resurrection went when they died was a place where the faithful are welcomed, much like Abraham, who was awaiting heaven (Matthew 22:31-32).
Today when people die, they go to either heaven or hell, depending on whether they trusted in Christ’s death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins (John 3:16; Philippians 1:23; 2 Corinthians 5:8; John 3:18). Believers now enter directly into the presence of the Lord, while those who reject Him await final judgment. The intermediate realm of Sheol/Hades no longer holds the righteous, because through His resurrection, Jesus made the way open to the Father (2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 9:24). In the future, those who are in hell will go to the lake of fire, where they will face eternal separation from God after the Great White Throne judgment (Revelation 20:11–15). This final destination is called the second death, and it is reserved for all whose names are not found written in the Book of Life (Revelation 21:8).
Our eternal destination is shaped by our faith and relationship with God. To get to heaven, we must trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, recognizing His sacrifice for our sins and following His teachings. As we reflect on the significance of Abraham’s bosom, it challenges us to live in light of eternity, seeking a relationship with God now, so that when we pass, we too will be carried to His side, comforted forever in His presence.
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