Luke 16:19-31 does not prove that people go to heaven when then die. We need to ask ourselves some simple questions:
- Is heaven literally a place where conversations can be had between those in hell and those in heaven?
- How could Lazarus literally go to Abraham's bosom?
This was a parable given by Jesus and not a literal account of real people. Even though it does not say it is a parable within the verse, only 11 out of the 26 parables in Luke are actually called parables.
Also Abraham is unquestionably dead and without his reward Heb. 11:8, 13, 39, 40.
What the verse is actually saying is subject for debate (not whether people go heaven or not) about who he is referring to, for instance _"...dressed in purple and fine linen..." may be referring to the priests. Purple in scripture is used for the priestly garments Ex.39:2, 24, 29; royal clothing (Judges 8:26; Esther 8:15) and wealth (Rev 18:16). Fine linen was also used in the priestly attire: ephod, robe, mitre, bonnet; and wealth (Rev 18:16)
In Israel, the high priest was clothed in purple and fine linen everyday... so he could be referring to Caiaphas as the unnamed rich man. Following the context chapter will help to greater understand what Jesus was actually saying.
Yes the poor man is named lazarus but does that mean that THE lazarus literally went to heaven when he died? And just because lazarus is mentioned does not mean that it definitely is not a parable.
What is the purpose of resurrection when the dead are already in bliss or in torment? That would mean they are judged already, and as a result, the coming judgement when Christ returns will be null and void.
The poor man is named Lazarus. Nobody is named in any of the parables. If it's a parable what does it mean besides the fact that the evil dead are in hell and the righteous dead are in heaven?