In the Word of God the book of Ecclesiastics evaluates all modern expressions of humanistic philosophy. It is impressive that there is truly nothing “new” under the sun. Of all human questions the greatest remains, “What happens after death?”
With a 100% success rate, death conqueres all, except one: Jesus Christ. The Christian will do well to study God’s wisdom in the person of Jesus as they seek to live with purpose and meaning in a life where physical death still temporarily reigns.
Observations:
Fate can only ask questions
- Egoism – What is gained by being wise?
- Ontology – Who knows if the spirit of man goes to heaven?
- Ethics – Who knows what is good for a man in life?
- Epistemology – Who can tell what will happen after he is gone?
- Fatalism – Who knows the future?
- Nihilism – Who knows whether love or hate await him?
Conclusions & Application:
God is the answer
- God has determined what is best
– therefore RECAPTURE God’s pacing in your life - God has designed our function
– therefore REDEEM your work as an offering to God - God has defined our destiny
– therefore REJOICE by walking and working with God - God is diligent in mercy
– therefore REPENT for there is hope for the living
John 14:5-6
“Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Ecclesiastes 7:10
“Do not say, “Why were the old days better than these?” For it is not wise to ask such questions.”
John 21:18-22
“Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!” Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.”
Psalm 139:15-16
“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
Genesis 2:15
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”