> General Discussions
Book of ecclesiastes
Mahonse:
--- Quote from: Dave in Tenn on February 05, 2014, 10:26:17 PM ---There are loads of places in Scripture where a man or woman is called "righteous", or just, or upright or wise. In the absolute sense, we all fall short. But if there is no contrast in the relative sense, then we have nothing to look forward to.
The Lord Jesus was an example of someone who was not "over-righteous much". They hated Him for it. He also spoke volumes about being "over-righteous much". Remember what he said to the Pharisees...you tithe of mint and cummin yet you leave out the weightier matters..." and "you strain out a gnat and swallow a camel."
And I think the "preacher" nailed it in the last bit. I think we come to know when we are being "over-righteous much" when 'many times our hearts know that even we ourselves have reviled others.'
--- End quote ---
That last bit is so profound. I think one can take things too seriously and that includes being righteous. I think you have to 'lose your life in order to find it' here in that from the very act of trying to be rightous ourselves, we automatically become proud, arrogant and blind. But if we believe in the righteousness of Christ, we naturally become loving, joyful, at peace, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle and are able to apply self-control (Gal. 5:22-23). In order to become wise, we must become fools so that we become wise. In order to become righteous, we must not take ourselves too seriously, but rather take Christ seriously and our (neighbours). The more I think about it the more true it seems that in order to attain something, we have to stop trying ourselves and obey the Lord's commands.
lareli:
--- Quote from: Kat on February 06, 2014, 08:03:18 PM ---
--- Quote from: Nelson on February 06, 2014, 03:41:01 PM ---KAT.Some good replies there!I always ask myself whether i'm the only person who reads and is fascinated by the book of ecclesiastes. Coz i hardly hear people talk about it.Statements like 'life is useless',what you make of those kind of statements?
--- End quote ---
If somebody believes that this life is useless it is because they are ignorant to the plan of God, like the vast majority of people are. This age is for giving mankind an experience of good and evil, a backdrop we all need for contrast. God's purpose is to bring all of mankind to salvation, we are just not at the point in time when He has begun to save the world through judgement, that is for the next age.
Isa 26:9 With my soul I have desired You in the night,
Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early;
For when Your judgments are in the earth,
The inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
mercy, peace and love
Kat
--- End quote ---
An experience of good and evil.. I know this is a scripture reference but I can't find it. What scripture/verse is this?
Ian 155:
Heb 5 v 14
Kat:
This goes back to the garden of Eden, which is a parable concerning what is to happen to people in this age.
Gen 2:9 And out of the ground Jehovah God caused to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food. The tree of life also was in the middle of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.
Gen 2:17 but you shall not eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. For in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.
This seems to be a warning to Adam and Eve and all people of what would happen if they eat/partake of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Though God's warns them He knew full well what they were going to do and that is exactly what was intended. God always warns people of the consequences of their actions, even when it is something in His plan that must happen.
Gen 3:5 For God doth know, that, in the day ye eat thereof, then shall your eyes be opened,--and ye shall become like God, knowing good and evil. (Rotherham)
So this life is the process, now gaining an experiencing good and evil, that will ultimately lead our coming into the image of God.
Gen 1:27 And creating is the Elohim humanity in His image. In the image of the Elohim He creates it. Male and female He creates them. (CLV)
And here is another Scripture stating what is going on in this life.
Ecc 1:13 I applied my heart to inquiring and exploring by wisdom concerning all that is done under the heavens:it is an experience of evil Elohim has given to the sons of humanity to humble them by it.
mercy, peace and love
Kat
lareli:
Seems to answer the age old question of what is the meaning of life.. Yes?
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version