Should we take this literally or figuratively?

If we are to take this literally then it raises theological questions. 

Luke 16:19-23(NKJV)

“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, 

desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 

So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 

And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

If we are to take this figuratively then I get it.  The story is of the poor guy oppressed by the rich guy.  In the end the poor guy gets his reward and the rich guy gets his punishment. 

But…..if it is literally then there are some unanswered questions. 

First and foremost for me is this question.  Was the poor guy a believer in Jesus?  The parable gives us no clue.  Was the rich guy a believer?  Probably not because he didn't have compassion on the poor. 

If the poor guy wasn't a believer in Jesus then why did he get to go to Heaven?  We are told that we have to believe in and confess Jesus as our Lord and Savior to get in.  It may seem like a minor point to some but for me it is a big issue. 

For that reason I believe this is one of those parable that are to be taken figuratively.