Question 22: Why don’t you pray for your loved ones and friends after they die?

Answer: Nowhere in the Bible does it ever say that we get a second chance to accept Jesus Christ after death. In fact, the Bible says quite the opposite. In Hebrews 9:27, the Bible tells us “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Our eternal fate is sealed once we breathe our last breath on this earth – and there is nothing than can be done to change that fate, including the prayers of our loved ones. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells us of Lazarus and the rich man. Lazarus had a very difficult life, but he was saved! The rich man had a very easy life while on this earth but because he was not saved, he entered into eternal torment in Hell. While suffering in this unbelievable torment, the rich man asks for a mere drop of water on his tongue to somehow bring relief to his burning body. The story goes on to say, “And he 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. ²⁵But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. ²⁶And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” The rich man was told that his torment was permanent – that he could not pass to them or vica-versa. Understanding his fate, the rich man then begged for Lazarus to return from the dead and warn his five brothers of the torment that awaited them in Hell if they didn’t get saved. Abraham told them that they wouldn’t believe him either. As I said earlier, faith in Jesus Christ is always by grace through faith and never by sight. When someone dies, there should be prayers offered up – but for the loved ones of the one that has died – that they might be comforted and that they might accept Jesus’ free gift of eternal life if they have not done so already.