A Great Gulf Fixed

How is the word 'fixed' important here? Can a man in his depravity know God by his own will? Is this a parable or a stated Spiritual Truth? Why do some believe that a God who tortures some of His sinful creatures for eternity and not others is unfair? Why does this story bring up how stingy rich religious men are? Can we choose to be the rich man or the beggar? What is the parallel of the beggar and the Gentile woman who asked to eat of the crumbs? What are the 4 ways that this great gulf is fixed? Why does God know all things? How do you know if you are being corrected or punished by God?