Things that are Eternal (Ecclesiastes 3:1-22)
This lesson will come out of the book of Ecclesiastes which is written by Solomon. We must remember that Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes from the view point of man, so we must be careful when applying this book to our lives. Nevertheless God did include it in his word therefore there are some things that he wants us to see from this book.
In Ecclesiastes chapter 3 Solomon points out in the first 13 verses how that there is a time and purpose for everything on the earth. In verses 15-21 Solomon points to the fact that there is death and judgment for all mankind. Then in verse 22 Solomon ask a very interesting question, “for who shall bring him to see what shall be after him?”
It seems that Solomon is telling us that on one hand with man everything has a definite time but on the other hand there is something more to this life than just life on this earth. This is also shown in verse 14 where Solomon says, “I know that whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever.”
Solomon realizes that what God does is eternal and that we cannot change it. With this thought in our minds let us look at some things in the word of God that are eternal.
Things that are Eternal :
1) God (Psalm 90:1-2)
- God has always been and will always be.
2) The Word (John 1:1-2)
- The word is capitalized in John 1:1 denoted that it is the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore Jesus Christ is eternal also.
- This makes sense because he is God the Word of life in 1 John 1:1-2 and is said to be the true God and eternal life in 1 John 5:20.
- The word of God is also eternal (Psalm 119:89 ; Matthew 24:35)
3) Your Soul (Mark 9:42-48)
- Every person is a 3 part being, they have a body, soul, and a spirit. The soul is the part of you that goes to heaven or hell depending upon whether you are saved or lost.
- In Mark the soul in hell is referred to as a worm and note that it never dies.
4) The gif of Eternal life (John 3:16)
- This is made possible by Jesus Christ, remember that he is the eternal life and he has the power to give it to us (John17:2)
Whether we realize it or not our soul is eternal. It will live forever with God or in hell and the lake of fire which comes after hell. But if you receive the gift of salvation you can have eternal life in Jesus Christ.
Things that are Eternal (Ecclesiastes 3:1-22)
Handout
1) Who wrote Ecclesiastes and what do we have to remember when we study things from this book?
2) What can we see from the passage in Ecclesiastes that gives us a hint at eternal life?
3) Make an outline for 4 things that are eternal.