Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: CynicalBear
You quote from the book of Ecclesiastes -- "Ecclesiastes 9:5 For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten."

This obviously conflicts with the words of Jesus in Luke 6:23 about some of the dead -- "your reward is great in heaven".

The book of Ecclesiastes also says that all the works done under the sun are vanity. (Ecclesiastes 1:14, and in many other texts in that book.) Does "all" there really mean "all"?

Was the birth of Jesus vanity?

Were the works of Jesus vanity?

Were the crucifixion and death of Jesus vanity?

Was His resurrection vanity?

The book of Ecclesiastes must be read as part of the poetic wisdom writing, written from a particular perspective, and with a specific knowledge base, realizing it often uses poetic exaggerations to make teaching points. (otherwise, you would be calling Jesus a liar, and saying His work was all vanity, just like everything else.)

460 posted on 07/14/2013 10:28:37 PM PDT by Heart-Rest (Good reading ==> | ncregister.com | catholic.com | ewtn.com | newadvent.org |)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 328 | View Replies ]


To: Heart-Rest
>>This obviously conflicts with the words of Jesus in Luke 6:23 about some of the dead -- "your reward is great in heaven".<<

What part of more do you not understand? Once someone passes from this earth they earn no more rewards. No conflict whatsoever.

>>Does "all" there really mean "all"?<<

You must note there that he is talking of the works of man.

Ecclesiastes 1:3 What profit hath a man of all his labour which he taketh under the sun?

All the works of man are vanity. Not terribly difficult of you actually read in context. Your next questions about Christ are scurrilous. Christ was not just a man.

656 posted on 07/15/2013 5:09:12 PM PDT by CynicalBear (For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 460 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson