How to Live (A Study in Ecclesiastes)
Lesson #10: You’re Not Getting Away With It (Ecclesiastes 8:1-13)
Many times it may seem like those who live in sin are getting away with it. Sometimes even saved people will sin and maybe even continue to sin because they think that it is going unpunished. But the truth is that you cannot continue in sin forever and get away with it. Solomon addresses this subject in this passage.
Why is there so much wickedness?
The answer to this question is found in verses 11-13. It is because the sentence against evil workers is not executed speedily. What this is saying is that if the moment you sinned you were judged and the punishment was given right on the spot there would be a lot less sin. Think about it if God struck us down the moment we sinned it would sure slow down sin. I am glad he does not and it is because of his mercy and grace that he does not (1 Peter 3:9). But still one day judgment will come.
Some things regarding the Judgment of God:
1) God Judges everything (Ecclesiastes 8:5-7)
- At some point God will judge and unlike humans God is not one to forget. To every time and purpose there is time and judgment.
2) God does not Judge like Men (Isaiah 11:3-5)
- God does not judge by seeing or hearing but in truth and righteousness (Revelation 16:7)
3) God will not pervert judgment (Job 34:12)
- Because God’s judgment are true and righteous, he will in no way overlook sin or pervert judgment.
Two types of Judgment:
When lost people die without trusting Jesus as their savior they go to hell. But they are not judged until The Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) which is after the Millennial Reign of Jesus Christ. It is at this time that they will be thrown into the Lake of Fire where they will be torment forever. In this life God is giving them many chances to get saved.
People who are saved in the Church Age (the time we live in right now) do not have to worry about losing their salvation but they will still be judged for things done in the body after they were saved (2 Corinthians 5:9-11). This is where they will either be rewarded or lose rewards (1 Corinthians 3:9-16) but it is not about being saved or lost.
Life lesson for us:
Saved or lost judgment will come which is why we should fear God (verses 12-13). Even though the wicked grow bolder everyday let us fear God and serve him for God judges all in time.
How to Live (A Study in Ecclesiastes)
Lesson #10: You’re Not Getting Away With It (Ecclesiastes 8:1-13)
Handout
1) What is the question that is answer by Solomon in this passage?
2) What is the answer to the above question?
3) Why does God not pass sentence speedily?
4) What are some things we see regarding the judgment of God?
5) What are two different types of Judgment?
6) What is the life lesson for us?