From my own interpretation of what apostle Paul was saying here; success or whatever height one attains in life is not by the effort one makes, but by God’s mercy. It goes to prove that though everyone is created by God, but not everyone is on his mercy list. It also contrasts Solomon’s personal view; in his conclusion in the book of Ecclesiastes 9:11 (talking about time and chance). This implies that man’s willingness or effort without God is baseless.
Inasmuch as the verse has some uncertainty in its interpretation, I believe on its own, it does not make a doctrine of the immortality of the soul. The bible is clear to the fact that there's no consciousness in death ( Ecclesiastes 9:4-10) and many other scriptures. The verse must be supported by other verses ( Isaiah 34:16; 28;10). Let’s search more until God opens it up for us.
Read this verse in the context it comes from. Search out (in context) as they used throughout the Bible. The KNOW nothingness. They have a choice in life, to be something or to be nothing (to be as if they never had been “and KNOW it”). Their intimate knowledge of the FACT that they could have had life but chose not to live and therefore what they then have knowledge OF is NOTHINGNESS. Look in the dictionary (inspired by GOD so people could understand HIS word) at the definition of the word "KNOW" and will see what I mean.
As the bible says, she that liveth in sin is dead whilst she is still liveth, anyone that is not having Jesus in his life is a sinner, he is that dead lion. But anyone that is born again no matter how lowly esteemed people may rate you, you are better than richest sinner.
People think with their knowledge that they have acquired in their schools they can make it, but it is not the learned that can make it. Time and chance happen to everyone.
This verse is giving assurance that no matter how we can apply our skill, power and knowledge but if God does not provide, there won’t be any success on that. David was seen fighting and destroying a mighty warrior yet he never attended any battle, and that was God's power.
Carlyn,
It is mostly accepted that King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes. At any rate, it is an Old Testament writing and it was written before the time of the Christ. Christ made this promise, that it is appointed unto all, once to die.
And he made another promise; that he would keep us in perfect peace, in the grave, until the day of judgement, whose mind was stayed on him.
And then this promise from the Christ;
I will never leave you nor forsake you.
We will remember..Your family does see you and they watching over you..this is for those that are not saved..for we are the living even after mortal death..the reference to the dead means those that are not with God. Once entered into hell they will not remember us..they will be lost forever. But those that choose life..life with God..live forever. So your family members, as long as they believed in God, are still alive waiting for you in heaven.
This is a reply to Carlyn..
My son passed away in 2005 so this was a downer to me as well but know one knows for sure what will happen in the end.. Just because it says that in the bible doesn't make it so
It is mostly accepted that King Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes. At any rate, it is an Old Testament writing and it was written before the time of the Christ. Christ made this promise, that it is appointed unto all, once to die.
And he made another promise; that he would keep us in perfect peace, in the grave, until the day of judgement, whose mind was stayed on him.
And then this promise from the Christ;
I will never leave you nor forsake you.
wise words
My son passed away in 2005 so this was a downer to me as well but know one knows for sure what will happen in the end.. Just because it says that in the bible doesn't make it so