Discuss Ecclesiastes 3 Page 2

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Exodus 1, Acts 5:29,

They feared GOD rather than man

Wes gave a wise answer on Christmas. Exodus 23:8, Deuteronomy 16:19, Ecclesiastes 7:7, may The HOLY Spirit teach us. John 14:26

I love to celebrate Christmas, I really enjoy the lights, the focus on our Savior. The generosity in the season. Christmas is a time of year, people remember more their fellow man, needs & wants of others. Christmas time reminds us of the joys of giving & putting smiles on others faces, teaching by love & kindnesses. Surprising a person with anonymous unexpected gifts, giving hope to people in desperation, food, clothing, volunteering, etc. warms their hearts, body & soul & sometimes gives them hope for a better ' tomorrow '. Christmas is the time of year people are more willing to receive from a Christian.....

We as Believers have an open door at Christmas unlike any other time of the year, to show the World who Jesus is, who the Church is.

When we remember those most "forgotten by others" showing them, they are not forgotten by GOD, it's amazing how even those around them are affected.

Deuteronomy 15:7, Job 5:16, Proverbs 19:4, Psalms 69:33, Proverbs 14:21, 2Corinthians 9:9, Psalms 68:10, Galatians 2:10, Romans 15:26, Psalms 40:17, Proverbs 22:2, Psalms 41:1, Luke 14:13, Psalms 74:21, Proverbs 29:7, Proverbs 28:27, Psalms 112:9, Psalms 82:3, Daniel 4:27, Proverbs 21:13, Proverbs 31:10,20, context Proverbs 31, Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 19:7, Luke 4:18, Matthew 11:5, Mark 10:21,

Proverbs 19:6, Esther 9:22, James 1:27,

This Christmas season we really have a moment to help comfort, our nations with love, giving hope through the WORD, to poor in spirit & helping heal wounds. There is much we can give this year, for those in need. I pray GOD lead us even now, to start the giving season early. Romans 6:23, 2Corinthians 1:4, Proverbs 15:23,

Psalms 31:24, Ecclesiastes 3:1,

Rest of Revelation 19

The rest of the book discusses the return of Christ with His saints; and the capture of the Beast; False Prophet and Satan (without stating who places them in their respective places of punishment although the next chapters show an angel has sealed the bottomless pit).

There is a feast prepared for the birds of the air (v. 17-18; v. 21). God has in Isaiah 34:11 and other verses clearly considered the unclean beasts and provided for them richly (despite being unfit for man's consumption). Those who are animal lovers may not appreciate the fact that they will either be present at the wedding feast of the Lamb or themselves be part of the supper of wild beasts. No doubt these creatures will be starving themselves by this time and God isn't going to let a good meal go to waste. We should ponder this; those who are evolutionists and realize that in light of Ecclesiastes 3:19 that unregenerate men are no better than animals as to our fate. The soul of animals may go down into the earth (see verse 21 two verses later); but man is the only creature subject to eternal damnation and suffering as we see again in the same chapter; verse 11 where "eternity is put in their hearts."

The last verse in this chapter; verse 21 shows the rest of man in the battle slain with the sword (see Malachi 4:1; Psalm 2; etal). They will be placed in Sheol; the "holding place" for the damned until their turn for the lake of fire. Undoubtably their involvement in this battle and enticement by demons means that they have taken the mark of the Beast. If for some reason someone is missing arms and or has a head injury and can't take the mark the image will be worshipped which basically amounts to the same punishment.

In God's Providence He shortens the days or no flesh would survive (or be saved); see Matthew 24:22. There are interesting studies as to the mention of horses (verse 18) which also are seen in Ezekiel 38. I prefer to take that literally.

Scripture doesn't mention the word cremation per se, one must become familiar with burials, and why we bury embalmed bodies.

Everyone resurrects upon death, meaning our soul's immediately return to the Father that gave it, and the flesh body returns to dust from whence it came.

Ecclesiastes 3:20 mentions this more specifically on how all are from the dust, and all return to the dust, but back up a few verses to (15) so to get the gust of how we all began the same way, and return to the same place, also how we breath the same air...

So no matter how we are buried, we are not in the flesh body anymore, we have gone back to the Father.

Full burials are for the Living, IMO.

We buried embalmed bodies believing not in resurrection.

Dear "Fannie Cross-Sullivan", in peace. We learn it because we must have hope. Our hope is that Jesus Christ, who conquered death, we will also go there. Where Jesus are. We shall not see death.

If you imagine a person who is sick, for example, and is about to die. As we say here on earth. This person belive in Jesus Christ and has repented from a destructive life, to faith in Jesus Christ. If Iinow immediately give you a different picture of death, but then without God. Can you see the difference here? We humans are a detriment to ourselves, we have been from the very beginning. Now it has become worse.

So God the Father Himself had to change everything when He make Heaven and earth, because of man. Remember He repented of it. Genesis 6:6

The day you are referring to will be a terrible day, everyone should know what a fire can do.

This is how it is that we believe in God the Father and in His Son Jesus Christ, then our life will be filled with hope for Life itself. We shall live even if we lay down our mortal body. Matthew 24:35 The best example is found in John 20:1-10 and the story of Lazarus when Jesus raises Him from the dead after he had lain dead for several days. John 11

The day that will come when the firmament and the mountains will crumble. When God will put everything in order again, this time there will be no regrets, but Perfection. That is what Christ Jesus did. But as we know, everything takes time.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Jesus does not wish us harm, He loved us with divine love. believe in Him for your own sake. Fear is cast out when you are with Jesus Christ. Only love will keep you alive that day. God's Word and faith in Jesus. Hebrew 4:12-13 But we stick to Jesus. He fills us with peace, so that we all survive the day. I belive that from the bottom of my heart.

Hope this help u, remember to always go to Jesus if u have a problem, He will sort everything out for u in His time, Amen. Jesus loves u i love u in Christ

Soul sleep; the big lie.

1 Thessalonians 4:14 to the end of the chapter and 1 Thessalonians 5:10 make it clear; along with other verses that when the body sleeps; the spirit lives on. The question is; of course if His Spirit "testifies with our spirit ( Romans 8:16) that we are God's children." If not; then truly we are spiritually "dead" as it were; which means absent from the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and hence forever trapped in our sinful nature. He has put "eternity in the hearts of men" ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). Hebrews 9:27 also makes it pretty clear that we face judgment after death. That will determine where we spend the interim period through the Millennial reign and make the "first resurrection" ( Rev. 20:6) or remains until the Great White Throne judgment. There are; apparently phases to the firstfruits which Christ Himself initiated; then some who came out of their graves AFTER the Resurrection; then those alive at His coming when the saints are Resurrected and finally the Resurrection of those who were martyred in the Tribulation. I will leave this detailed eschatology to other posts.

I already stated elsewhere where the word "qeber" is referring to the bodily state of "sleep" or death in the grave; and when "sheol" the land of the souls of all in the O.T. (now only just for the wicked) exists. Now; to be "absent from the body is present with the Lord ( 2 Cor. 5:6). The bigger question is WHY people want to hold to this "soul sleep" or nonexistence mentality. Part of it can be not dividing the Word properly ( 1 Tim. 2:15); or 2 Peter 3:16 where unstable people twist scripture to their own destruction. If someone knows they are in sin; and remains unrepentant in their hearts it is easy to follow this mindset so that there can be space before judgment. ( Ecclesiastes 8:11; Psalm 73:17). He is not the God of the dead but the living ( Mark 12:27). Hence; we are already "seated in heavenly places" ( Ephesians 2:6).

The Excellence in God's Work

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15

9. What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

10. I have seen the travail which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised therewith.

11. He hath made everything beautiful in its time: also he hath set eternity in their hearts, yet so that man cannot find out the work that God hath done from beginning even to the end.

12. I know that there is nothing better for them, than to rejoice, and to do good so long as they live.

13. And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all his labor, is the gift of God.

14. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor anything taken from it; and God hath done it, that man should fear before him. That which is hath been long ago; and that which is be hath long ago been: and God seeketh again that which is passed away.

GOD IS LIFE and LIFE IS GOD

The BODY is only a vessel that holds THE LIFE OF GOD.

When the body DIES (the wages of sin is death: Romans 6:23) it returns to the dust from whence it came.

Ecclesiastes 3:20 ALL go unto one place; for all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.

Job 34:15 ALL FLESH shall perish together and man shall turn again into dust.

Ecclesiastes 12:7 Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit (LIFE) shall return unto God who gave it.

Ephesians 4:4 ONE SPIRIT .....one LIFE

1 Corinthians 15:38 For God giveth it (the new creation, YOU, Christ resurrected) a body as it hath pleased him, and to every SEED his (Christ's) own BODY.

Ephesians 4:4 ONE BODY ....

HELL (Hades) is the grave, where men, the dust of the earth go.

The NEW MAN goes to the presence of God, the Father. as the BODY of Christ resurrected.

Ephesians 4:6 ONE GOD and FATHER OF ALL .......

Revelation 20:6 Blesses and HOLY is he (the new creation) who hath part in the FIRST RESURRECTION.

Matthew 16:24 .....DENY YOURSELF ......

Colossians 1:27 .....this mystery ......CHRIST IN YOU ..... you the body (of Christ).

John 17:21 That they (new creation) may be ONE, as thou Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they (new creation) may be ONE IN US ....

Revelation 12:2 And SHE (the church, Christ's bride) being with child (the new man) cried, travailing in BIRTH, and pained to BE DELIVERED.

Whosoever BELIEVES SHALL (at the death of this body of flesh) BE SAVED ....... DELIVERED.

May God give us eyes to see and ears to hear.

God BLESS.

According to Christ; "His sheep hear His voice." ( John 10:27). 2 Tim. 2:24-26 indicate that repentance indeed is a gift from God.

The basic premise is that we are all "children of wrath" by nature under condemnation apart from Christ. ( Eph. 2:3). If we cannot understand that man's heart is estranged from God; and that at best we try to avoid the consequences of sin rather than have any true remorse for offending a Holy; righteous and just God then we simply are living out a works based theology. Titus 1:15 shows further how our best actions are contaminated and defiled.

Human love only shows true affection for those who love us ( Matthew 5:46-48). To love those who "despitefully use us" ( Matthew 5:44) takes a change of heart; a Divine intervention and infusion of the Holy Spirit again which is given by God ( Ezekiel 36:26).

From OUR perspective we see ourselves drawn to the one from all eternity who created all things. ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). This verse shows again how even THIS is instigated in man's conscience by God. We need to realize that there is a process involved; as the parable of the seed and the sowers indicates. The seed from God (again planted on His initiative) is introduced; and ultimately must progress until "fruit is produced" (see also Matthew 3:8). TRUE repentance will overcome temptations that the Lord uses to prune us; as He "chastises all those He loves" ( Heb. 12:6; etc). God therefore initiates salvation; and the whole sanctification process ultimately leading to glorification ( Romans 8:17).

When we are saved; we have new desires to serve God and rejoice in the thought of service to Him now and in eternity. We begin a process of mortification of the deeds of the flesh ( Romans 8:13). From our perspective; we need to accept the truth about ourselves and our utter hopelessness apart from Christ in our own strength. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom ) Proverbs 9; Psalm 111; etc). Jeremiah 32:40 shows God gives that

1 Cor 15:50. The dead will be raised when Christ comes the Second time. Not everone will go to heaven at the second coming John 5:29. Compare the two verses you will see they are the same. Ecclesiastes 3: 20 tells us all return to the dust. Verse 21 says the SPIRIT GOES TO THE GOD ( Eccles 12:7 Also). Now note : Gen 2 :7 says man became a living being after the breath of life is given by God, so when the breath departs as you read in Eccles then man is dead waiting for the second coming. Read John 11 :23 and 24 for confirmation of 1 Cor 15 and John 5:29

Dear "Robert DeHaan", in peace. You're probably not the only one who's becoming a TV slave these days. I myself try to do what the Lord expects of me. Read and pray for all people, rulers, kings and Israel, peace be upon Jerusalem. And you probably do too.

Everything takes its time, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Even though we are retired, time is short. It goes so fast during the day, suddenly one has passed, the month has passed, the year has passed. But i think we should comfort ourselves with: Romans 1:16-17 for example. Then i can thank the Lord that. That time is over. Young people's hustle and bustle and think of everything they should have and done.

See in the conscience, is it good? All good hopefully. But i wish i could spend all my time with the Lord. It will be as our dear Paul says, Romans 7:19

Then it's good to come here on the web and know we have someone who has it like us. Pray and be present. There is always something. Witness outside standing, as soon as i get an opportunity in time and out of time. 2 Timothy 4:2 and continue to pray. Ill think it is a service, and could sit back and be the one present. Always ready and reach out a hand, in Jesus name right? That is the hope we have, to be enveloped in the love of God in Jesus Christ now and forever.

Stand strong brother and if i cant see u in this life. I see u in next. God bless us in Jesus name, Love u in Christ.

Many sections of the Bible are beautiful to read & take in. This chapter is one of them.Everything has a season. Love & peace ,hate & war.It can be the best of times or the worst of times, our God will see us through. He is with us ALWAYS ! He can rejoice with us & He can console us ! Blessings to all

In 2 Kings 20 and Isaiah 26:6 Hezekiah was granted 15 extra years because of his plea AFTER the prophet declared that he was about to die. Ecclesiastes 3:2 states that there is a time to be born and a time to die. As with anything else; there are predetermined times and seasons which the Lord has established. Scripture clearly demonstrates that through prayer and mediation; which ultimately involves Christ and His mercy, that judgment can be forestalled for entire nations. Moses had to react quickly to intervene plagues as well as David in scripture (in his case due to his own mistake in the instance of taking the census to determine his own strength which involved a pride issue rather than trust in God alone). Ultimately; in fact Christ intercedes for all of us who were under the wrath of God lost in sins. All His sheep will live on this earth until they are found; as salvation only can occur while we are yet alive. God knows also all the things men will do to shorten their lives; whether it is by sins damaging to the flesh; or things which incur curses of God such as false worship. He knows when someone like Cain will murder his brother. Same goes for natural disasters and any other premature cause of death. In fact; scientifically there is still not full undestanding what causes death. There is certainly something to someone like Moses who was still in his full strength until death; although the one mistake of striking the rock in anger did not allow him to enter the Promised Land; and quite possibly live longer than he did.

Those who are spiritually dead are that way whether still alive in the flesh or not. All the temporary benefits of this life in the flesh; of course are then over for the lost; and they face judgment and condemnation. Praise the Lord that we can bypass that 2nd death! May we not be as some Corinthians who perished prematurely not taking communion with the right mindset.

Thank you Jesse! We are free because of the Brave!

Matthew 10:34, Romans 8:38-39, Ecclesiastes 3:1-11,

Genesis 3:24, 1Chronicles 21, 1Chronicles 24:16, Exodus 32:27, read in context Exodus 32, Leviticus 26, Numbers 22, Deuteronomy 13:15, Deuteronomy 20:13, Deuteronomy 32, Jeremiah 50:35-37, Amos 1:11, Amos 9:4-15,

Joshua 5:10-15 continues Joshua 6,

1Samuel 15,

2Kings 6, note 2Kings 6:22, 2Chronicles 23:21, Nehemiah 4, Esther 9, Jeremiah 43:11, Hosea 2:18, Micah 4:3,

Hope these encourage

VERSES ON MODERATION. Jesus practiced moderation.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 - To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

1 Corinthians 6:12 - All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of [excesses of anything]

Ephesians 5:18 - And be not drunk with wine, wherein is EXCESS; but be filled with the Spirit;

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?

1 Peter 5:8 - Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [over consumption=poor health]

1 Timothy 4:2-5 - Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Philippians 4:5 - Let your MODERATION be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Proverbs 20:1 - Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

1 Timothy 5:23 - Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. (This was a stomach remedy; not a reason to party.)

1 Timothy 3:8 - Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

Comment: anger creates cortisol in the blood, and it kills people.

Almost everyone knows these things. The only way I've found to fight back, is to not even bring stuff into the house. God created everything to give us life and health.

I drink water until my brain sends the signal I am "full". It turns off that screaming. Try it.

Brother Chris, you are correct, Christ CHOOSES.

It's his time frame and his works.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every PURPOSE under the heaven.

God Bless You!

Ecclesiastes 3:14. I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

God bless.

My belief Dotha, is that they return back to the earth. Ecclesiastes 3:19-21 seems to spell this out; keeping in mind that the writer is speaking generally about the flesh of man & beast that go the same way: back to dust.

However, he writes, "Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?". This can be understood in various ways, but I feel that it speaks of the eternality of the human spirit (that they return to God Who judges men), whereas the life of the animal perishes in the ground, holding no accountability before its Maker. Some believe that our pets will also go to Heaven, but I don't find any Scripture to support that belief; and even if they do go, will that include all other animals in the world & even the smallest living organism created by God? I suppose one day we'll know for sure.

This subject has been hotly contested and I just had a member of my small group take that stance this week. The fact that God is said to put "eternity" in men's hearts surely shows that there is a concept of it once we are at a certain age. ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). We also have Stephen who right before he died saw Christ standing on His throne; then he "fell asleep." Acts 7:60. We have the great "cloud of witnesses" of Hebrews 11; those under the throne who have been martyred ( Rev. 6:9-11); David's commentary about his son dying ( 2 Sam. 12:23) where he says that his son can't come to him but he shall go to see him (after death); the appearance of Moses and Elijah (although Elijah was translated) at the transfiguration; and verses about Sheol. Jesus has the parable about Lazarus and the rich man ( Luke 16:19-31) about the fate of O.T. people in both sections of Sheol; and the captivity being made captive ( Eph. 4:8 also prophesied in Psalm 68:18; Jesus promising the thief on the cross that today he would be in paradise ( Luke 23:43); and that would be followed by many saints coming out of their graves after the Resurrection ( Matthew 27:52-53). We also have Hebrews 9:27 which says man is destined to die once; then face the judgment.

There are many other confirming verses. We must keep in mind that when the word "qeber" is used defining the grave; and a person ceasing to exist it is the body. Sheol; however is the land of the dead. We must also keep in mind that the spirits of just men made perfect ( Heb. 12:23) would start with Christ the first of the firstfruits; so to speak. God is not the God of the dead but the living ( Luke 20:38). John 8:56 says that Abraham longed to see the day HE SAW IT AND REJOICED. We have Paul's vision of things unspeakable whether in the flesh or not he didn't know ( 2 Cor. 12:2). Finally; John's vision in Revelation literally saw the future.

The biggest issue is WHY people think soul sleep exists. It concerns me.

I wrote this yesterday. S

Genesis 2:7

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a LIVING SOUL.

Ecclesiastes 3:18-21

I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?

Job 12:7-10 But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?

***In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of ALL mankind.***

Ecclesiastes 12:7

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

Everything returns to dust upon death. The spirits return to God. (Immediately)

Genesis 2:7

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a LIVING SOUL.

Ecclesiastes 3:18-21

I said in my heart with regard to the children of man that God is testing them that they may see that they themselves are but beasts. For what happens to the children of man and what happens to the beasts is the same; as one dies, so dies the other. They all have the same breath, and man has no advantage over the beasts, for all is vanity. All go to one place. All are from the dust, and to dust all return. Who knows whether the spirit of man goes upward and the spirit of the beast goes down into the earth?

Job 35:11 Who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the heavens?

Job 12:7-10 But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind.

** Ecclesiastes 12:7

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and THE SPIRIT returns to God who gave it.

comment: Everything returns to dust upon death. The spirits return to God. [ there will be animals and birds in heaven]

Sheila, it's all about believing the words of God.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

Ecclesiastes 3:2 A time to be born, an a time to die .....

God has preordained for each of us our lot and the time it happens, therefore we can rest in him that all will end in perfection.

It should be noted that "accepting" Jesus is something the demons do according to James (and rather sarcastically at that). He is feared among them for His authority; but not worshipped as they gave up their rightful place through rebellion that they were created for. Christ is Lord over all creation; as all will bow down before Him. ( Isaiah 45:23). In terms of Savior; all those who are called are chosen. This is in a sense Him "accepting us" as He does into the beloved ( Ephesians 1:6). Even repentance is a gift according to other verses in Acts 11:18 for one example.

If we HAVE heard of Christ; then we can either worship Him and fall on our knees; or reject Him. This is how man understands God based on whether the Holy Spirit has truly done a work in him. Often; though we don't read John 3:16 as something beyond a one time act; it is worded that way though as a continual ongoing process. A true believer; according to Romans goes on to be glorified ( Romans 8:30). Time is infinite with God's perspective; as many things were decided before the foundation of the world. We can see this in Revelation; as well as all will worship the Beast not written in the Book of Life before the foundation of the world ( Rev. 13:8).

If we haven't heard of Him; then surely God will send a dream; vision or missionary as evidenced by many Muslims and others in the world today. Abraham was called and sent away from his pagan origins to the land of Promise by the Lord.

If we truly seek Him; there may be a process but we will find the truth. Romans 1 and Psalm 19 make man without excuse; as clearly in the Creation evidence of Him is seen. In all that we see how short we are of His glory; a tattered fallen Creation; and our need for rescue from inevitable physical death as well as begin to see a righteousness that we cannot obtain or reach in our fleshy nature. Ecclesiastes also states how God has put "eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Ecclesiastes 3:21 indicates that the soul (or breath) of an animal descents downward to the earth; whereas of man it ascends upward (as man dies once and goes to judgment Heb. 9:27). This is; as far as I can see the only verse that indicates what happens after an animal dies.

One could infer that with "all creation travailing" ( Romans 8:22) that death has caused all of His creation; designed to live eternally to be interrupted from that purpose. There is no specific verse that would indicate a Resurrection of an animal; but with a new heaven and earth it certainly can't be ruled out.

Humans; as the scriptures show were created with "eternity in their hearts." ( Ecclesiastes 3:11). We also have some understanding of good and evil; hence unlike animals we are sinners (see Romans 1; Psalm 19). With Christ; we have His Spirit living in us; and praise God He will never leave nor forsake us. Without Christ; as the Psalms state we are as brute beasts; and we surely have no hope.

God did; however allow the serpent in the garden to be used as a conduit for Satan. This apparently caused the species to have to crawl in the dirt rather than stand upright after that event. It would seem somehow that the serpent itself was cursed as though it had some affinity for evil. That raises questions I can't fully answer. The case of Balaam and the talking donkey in Numbers 22 shows how an animal spoke; and surely showed proper reverence for God; as well as showing how an animal can see into the spiritual dimension when man is too dumb and blinded himself to do this. There is another example in Kings where a lion stood next to a donkey after mauling the disobedient prophet. There were also verses where lions were kept from mauling David; but afterwards God had them maul His enemies. God surely provides as He does for the birds in their great feast in Armageddon; even creatures in the burning fringes of hell in other verses. There is a master plan for all creation.

Ecclesiastes 3:21

Ecclesiastes 3:21

Paul talked about being taken to the 3rd heaven in his vision or actually being taken he said he did not know but he saw heaven and describes as the 3rd heaven. Jesus told the thief today you shall be with me in paradise. Some say the air from the earth to the atmosphere is the 1st heaven from the atmosphere to heaven is the 2nd and beyond that is the 3rd heaven. The Catholic's believe in purgatory, and some equate paradise with that as being the same. We know upon Christ return the dead in Christ will be raised from the dead but so will the lost souls as well. Do we go to heaven when we die we know our bodies don't but what about our sours and our spirit? The belief is our spirit that God breathed into Adam that we all have that gives us life returns to God, but our soul which is us sleeps and the Bible often refers to death as sleep in both the old and new testaments. Genesis 1:8And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. look at verses 6&7 6And God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.

7And God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament: and it was so. the firmament he called heaven? So if you go beyond Heaven you'll find water? notice Heaven is capitalized a place.

Psalms 49:15

"But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah." implies our soul is in the grave. Ecclesiastes 9:10

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."

Psalms 30:3

"O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit."

Ecclesiastes 3:21

"Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?"

That's all I got,

King James Version (KJV)

I hope these are helpful Genesis 6:3, Job 14:14, 1Peter 4:2,

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8,

Get a companion Bible,.. or a good king James an a strongs concordance,.. study, an pray always ask him ,..

It appears so Denny, that the word "eternity" would better fit & indeed, is directly translated from the Hebrew ('olam'): long duration, antiquity, ages.

Yet, when I think further on this verse & why the translators chose to use the word, 'world', I sense that consideration was given to the preceeding verses (i.e. vv 1-10), of the endless aspects & experiences of life, both good & bad. That God "hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end."

This might possibly indicate that man is not only confined to the endless cycle of life's encounters (as part of being in the 'world'), but also signifying the hunger & anticipation also arising in our hearts: that God having planned something better for us, a break from this cycle, when we might learn the reason for our confinement to these limitations & why God had chosen not to reveal all His Secrets to us. Our sin no doubt played a major part in what we experience now & the withholding of what ought to have been given to us for our full enjoyment.

Of course, now being in Christ & by His Coming to Earth, the miracle of rebirth, the bringing together of Jew & Gentile into one Body, the power to live beyond our circumstances, & the glories of eternity, are now the joyful possession & anticipation of those found in the Beloved. Indeed, God has "made everything beautiful in His Time", & only after time as we know it, ends, will we know the fulness of that beauty reserved for His children.

Thank you for that great question brother, which should prompt us to ponder further with the Spirit's Help, to give us more knowledge & joy in anticipation.