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Neither the prodigal son nor his elder brother were doomed from their mother's womb to burn in the lake of fire which is hell. Both were created in the womb by God for God's glory and His service. Jesus Christ says in Luke 15:11 (Amplified Bible), " There was a certain man who had two sons." The Bible indicates that both sons were the father's children; they were not illegitimate offspring. The father in this parable symbolizes God the Father. God is able to keep all of His children. In Luke 15:31 (Amplified Bible) the father says to the elder brother who did not break fellowship with God like the prodigal brother, " Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours." Consequently, both sons have their names written down in the book of life which is a record of who has the right to live in heaven with God.

The point of the parable in Luke 15:11-32 is to reinforce an earlier concept given in Luke 15. Jesus Christ in Luke 15:7 (Amplified Bible) says, "Thus, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one [especially] wicked person who repents (changes his mind, abhorring his errors and misdeeds, and determines to enter upon a better course of life) than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance." The elder brother has been in fellowship with God the Father; it is the prodigal son that needs God's attention to bring Him back into an intimate relationship. This parable describes the process of restoration of that relationship.

In Luke 15:12 (Amplified Bible) the prodigal son says to his father, " Father give me the part of the property that falls [to me]." He had no right to ask for this. An estate is usually distributed to the heirs after the death of the estate owner. Hopefully, by the time of the estate owner's death the heirs will have the maturity to handle the responsibility of an estate. Yet in the parable the prodigal's father was still alive.

The father was willing to operate in tough love toward the prodigal son. He could have legitimately refused the prodigal son's request. However, by doing that, how would the evil in the prodigal's heart be removed by trials? God loves His children enough to discipline them. Do not despise the discipline of the Lord God; it will make you into a child that more greatly resembles the nature of God.

The prodigal revealed the evil in his heart by running away from God and God's ways. God is good. When you want to do bad, you will run from God and eventually reap bad results. Luke 15:13

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