Devotionals by Raul Ries

MONDAY October 12, 2026

Are Heaven and Hell Real?

“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate....”
Luke 16:19-20

Jesus told a true story about two individuals––one was extremely rich and the other dirt poor. I want you to understand that this was not a parable. In parables, Jesus never used people's names, but this time He used Abraham and Lazarus’ names because this story really happened. Jesus described the rich man as someone who bought luxurious clothing––purple and fine linen. In biblical times, these items were very expensive. He also partied every day with his friends. The rich man had no financial worries; he bought whatever he wanted.

On the opposite spectrum was a certain beggar named Lazarus. He had no family connections and no income––he had nothing. He walked from street to street, begging for food and looking for a decent place to sleep. Sick, tired and full of sores, he lay down at the gate of this rich man.

Imagine, the rich man was enjoying his life, while the beggar longed for just a crumb of bread from his table. The dogs came, ate the cast away bread, and licked the poor man’s sores. I can picture in my mind how this poor, lonely man must have felt, as he listened to the festive music and the friendly chatter, and smelled the scrumptious food, while he had nothing to eat. Nobody paid him an ounce of attention, but God was watching him.

When Lazarus finally died outside the gate of the rich man, the angels came and carried him to Abraham's bosom––the place of the righteous in Sheol (Luke 16:21-22). There multitudes of souls were waiting for the Messiah to set them free. Unfortunately, the rich man also died and was buried. But where was his spirit taken? They took him to hell on the opposite side of Abraham’s bosom––a place of torment (Luke 16:22-23).

Heaven and hell are real places. If you died today, where would God’s angels take you? Do you need to make a change to your eternal address? While you still have breath, ask Jesus to save you.

Heaven is real and hell is real, and eternity is but a breath away.
~Billy Graham~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!