#Ecclesiastes 11:10

[jesus-is-lord-and-savior]

Remove vexation from your heart, and put away pain from your body, for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

(Ecclesiastes 11:10, ESV)

[tiand]

I Kept My Heart From No Pleasure (Ecclesiastes 2:10-11)

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 ” And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had expended in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun.”

[girlbloggercher]

how to read the Bible

this is in order!

1. John

2. Mark

3. Matthew

4. Luke

5. Genesis

6. Exodus

7. Leviticus

8. Numbers

9. Dueteronomy

10. Romans

11. Galatians

12. Colossians

13. Proverbs

14. Ecclesiastes

15. Job

16. 1 Peter

17. 1 Corinthians

18. 2 Corinthians

19. Ephesians

20. Philippians

21. 1 Thessalonians

22. 2 Thessalonians

23. 1 Timothy

24. 2 Timothy

25. James

26. 2 Peter

27. 1 John

28. 2 John

29. 3 John

30. Jude

31. Psalms

32. Joshua

33. Judges

34. 1 Samuel

35. 2 Samuel

36. 1 Kings

37. 2 Kings

38. 1 Chronicles

39. 2 Chronicles

40. Ezra

41. Nehemiah

42. Jeremiah

43. Lamentations

44. Ezekiel

45. Joel

46. Amos

47. Obadiah

48. Nahum

49. Habakkuk

50. Zephaniah

51. Haggai

52. Zechariah

53. Malachi

54. Micah

55. Hosea

56. Luke

57. Esther

58. Jonah

59. Song of Solomon

60. Acts

61. Titus

62. Philemon

63. Hebrew

64. Isaiah

65. Daniel

66. Revelation

[luvchristxx]

These are helping me rn so hopefully it can help others too <3

“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34

“So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.” Ecclesiastes 11:10

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

💗

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Hear My Righteous Plea

1 Hear the right, O Lord, attend unto my cry, give ear unto my prayer, that goeth not out of feigned lips.

2 Let my sentence come forth from thy presence; let thine eyes behold the things that are equal.

3 Thou hast proved mine heart; thou hast visited me in the night; thou hast tried me, and shalt find nothing; I am purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.

4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer.

5 Hold up my goings in thy paths, that my footsteps slip not.

6 I have called upon thee, for thou wilt hear me, O God: incline thine ear unto me, and hear my speech.

7 Shew thy marvellous lovingkindness, O thou that savest by thy right hand them which put their trust in thee from those that rise up against them.

8 Keep me as the apple of the eye, hide me under the shadow of thy wings,

9 From the wicked that oppress me, from my deadly enemies, who compass me about.

10 They are enclosed in their own fat: with their mouth they speak proudly.

11 They have now compassed us in our steps: they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth;

12 Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

13 Arise, O Lord, disappoint him, cast him down: deliver my soul from the wicked, which is thy sword:

14 From men which are thy hand, O Lord, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.

15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness. — Psalm 17 | King James Version (KJV) The King James Version Bible is in the public domain Cross References: Numbers 6:24; Deuteronomy 32:10; 1 Samuel 2:3; 1 Samuel 23:26; 2 Chronicles 6:40; Job 23:10-11; Psalm 1:1; Psalm 3:7; Psalm 4:1; Psalm 4:3; Psalm 6:4; Psalm 7:2; Psalm 9:4; Psalm 10:5; Psalm 10:9; Psalm 10:12; Psalm 18:30; Psalm 18:36; Psalm 27:12; Psalm 37:31; Psalm 88:17; Psalm 98:9; Psalm 99:4; Ecclesiastes 6:2; Matthew 13:15; Luke 16:25; Luke 21:20; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 John 3:2; Revelation 22:4

Psalm 17 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (concise)

Key Passages in Psalm 17

1. David, in confidence of his integrity, craves defense of God against his enemies 10. He shows their pride, craft, and eagerness 13. He prays against them in confidence of his hope

[steveezekiel]

THE REWARD OF LIVING FOR GOD 1

10 TELL THE GODLY THAT ALL WILL BE WELL FOR THEM. THEY WILL ENJOY THE RICH REWARD THEY HAVE EARNED!

11 BUT THE WICKED ARE DOOMED, FOR they will GET exactly WHAT THEY DESERVE."

Isaiah 3:10,11 (NLT)

• All would be well for the godly. Being godly means having the attributes of God in your life. Your life projects or reveals God; things He wants, and His demands from mankind (Ecclesiastes 12:13).

- Generally speaking, every human would not want to serve or walk in the ways of God, because they think His demands are too stringent.

- Also, the nature of Sin would not want humans to serve God or walk in His ways. Sin separated Man, humans, from God (Genesis 3:23,24).

- Every human was born in Sin, having the nature of Sin, thus, the desire to serve God would always not be there: "BEHOLD I WAS BROUGHT FORTH IN INIQUITY, AND IN SIN MY MOTHER CONCEIVED ME" (Psalm 51:5 NKJV).

"FOR ALL HAVE SINNED AND FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD."

Romans 3:23 (NKJV)

• Jesus Christ came to reconcile Man, humans, to God (2 Corinthians 5:18,19).

- The foundation of living a godly life is, when someone received the salvation offered through Jesus Christ's substitutionary death and resurrection: "NOR IS THERE SALVATION IN ANY OTHER, FOR THERE IS NO OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN GIVEN AMONG MEN BY WHICH WE MUST BE SAVED" (Acts 4:12 NKJV).

- Self righteousness is not equal to salvation. Someone might be a moralist, living a good and decent life, but that does not equal to salvation or being born-again: "BUT WE ARE ALL LIKE AN UNCLEAN THING, AND ALL OUR RIGHTEOUSNESSES ARE LIKE FILTHY RAGS; WE ALL FADE AS A LEAF, AND OUR INIQUITIES, LIKE THE WIND" (Isaiah 64:6 NKJV).

- Some claim to be godly when they had no encounter with Christ Jesus yet—they are yet to be reborn (John 3:3; Romans 10:9,10).

a. To be godly means to emulate God.

But one who had no relationship with God could not emulate Him: "THEREFORE BE IMITATORS OF GOD AS DEAR CHILDREN" (Ephesians 5:1 NKJV).

b. Whoever would emulate God would be a child of His, someone who had accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10), thus, reconciled with God (2 Corinthians 5:18,19).

- So, being a godly person is not how morally good you are per SE, that might be part of it, but the actual godly person is someone who accepted Jesus Christ as his or her Lord and Saviour, and lives by the principles of the Bible. Such has a communion or fellowship with God; having unwavering commitment and submissiveness to God.

- Thus, when being godly is referred to in the Bible, is not talking about being a moralist, who does not have a relationship with God. But talks about those who are imitators of God, those who are His children through faith in Christ Jesus.

• In our text, the Bible says; "TELL THE GODLY THAT ALL WILL BE WELL FOR THEM. THEY WILL ENJOY THE RICH REWARD THEY HAVE EARNED!" (Isaiah 3:10 NLT).

- All being well does not talk about material blessings only. It thus means been blessed spirit, soul, and body: "DEAR FRIEND, I HOPE ALL IS WELL WITH YOU AND THAT YOU ARE HEALTHY IN BODY AS YOU ARE STRONG IN SPIRIT" (3 John 2 NLT).

"BELOVED, I PRAY THAT YOU MAY PROSPER IN ALL THINGS AND BE IN HEALTH, JUST AS YOUR SOUL PROSPERS" (3 John 2 NKJV).

- The kind of prosperity being talked about here could only be gotten by the godly, someone who had a relationship with God. Someone who his or her communion with God is intact and unfeigned.

Someone who is not born-again cannot have a prosperous soul, that is, spirit. The soul mentioned in that translation talks about the BEING of the person, which is the human spirit. The New Living Translation said: "STRONG IN SPIRIT"

• There is a reward for every act. Someone who sows to the flesh would reap corruption, and one who sows to the spirit would reap everlasting life (Galatians 6:8).

- If you chose to live godly, accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, and walked in the light of His Word; a wonderful reward awaits you (Isaiah 3:10).

- And If you did choose to live contrary to God's Will or Word, you live wickedly, the other side of the reward also awaited you (Isaiah 3:11).

- Living godly requires a choice and determination, especially in this present world of darkness. There is a pollution in the world, and the system of the world encourages Sin. The devil has made it cheap.

- However, you can make a difference wherever you find yourself as a believer in Christ Jesus. You do not have to join the system of the world, nor compromise your faith.

- Your salvation is the birthright that must not be sold. God counts on you, you are an extension of His Kingdom wherever you find yourself on the earth.

- Wherever you find yourself, your person should bring God's presence there. You are a light wherever you are (Matthew 5:14-16).

- Know that there is a reward for living godly, keeping yourself for the glory of God.

• You will not fail in Jesus' name.

- If you are having an ailment in your body as you read this piece, I declare your healing in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

- The hold of the enemy, the devil, on your health is completely broken and you are declared free totally in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.

Peace!

TO BE CONTINUED

STEPS TO SALVATION

• Take notice of this:

IF you are yet to take the step of salvation, that is, yet to be born-again, do it now, tomorrow might be too late (2 Corinthians 6:1,2; Hebrews 3:7,8,15).

a. Acknowledge that you are a sinner and confess your Sins (1 John 1:9); And ask Jesus Christ to come into your life (Revelation 3:20).

b. Confess that you believe in your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that you confess it with your mouth, Thus, you accept Him As your Lord and Saviour (Romans 10:9,10).

c. As you took the steps A and B your name is written in the Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Revelation 3:8).

- If you took the steps As highlighted above, congratulations, It means you are saved—born-again. Join a Word based church in your area and Town or city, and be part of whatever they are doing there. Peace!

[albertfinch]

UTILIZING TIME AND SEASON

It's important to know the times and seasons you're in, so you don't miss your widow of breakthrough. Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, "For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter..."

Many are in a season of transition and crossing over to a new place God has prepared for them as the advance in their Christ calling.

Deuteronomy 11:10-12 says, "For the land which you are entering to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you have come, where you sowed your seed and watered it with your foot like a garden of vegetables. But the land into which you are about to cross to possess, a land of hills and valleys, drinks water from the rain of Heaven, a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year." You're getting ready to crossover into a place of promise the Lord has prepared for you in this season.

To cross over and possess the promise, it is necessary to go through the valley of Baca (Psalm 84). Right before times of breakthrough, God will often lead us through narrow and tight places. The pressure and the closed-in feeling many have been feeling is by walking through that narrow place. Many die spiritually or get stuck in the hallway of transition because they stop moving forward; they don't have the endurance and stamina to go through because the do not fully understand their Christ identity.

Psalm 84:5-7 - "How blessed is the man whose strength is in You...  Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; The early rain also covers it with blessings.  They go from strength to strength."

God brings us through narrow places because not everything can go with us into our new season. We have to leave the baggage from our last season. You're in a hallway right now, attached from your last season to your new season. To reach your breakthrough you have to go through.

STAY CONSISTENT AND PERSISTENT

There's a reward for those who diligently seek the Lord (Hebrews 11:6). "Diligently" is defined as constant in effort; persistent in doing anything. God is looking for those who will stay consistent and persistent.

Psalm 23:4 (TPT) says, "Lord, even when Your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for You already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of Your love takes away my fear. I'll never be lonely, for You are near."

Sometimes God's path for our lives will take us through the dark places but we are never alone, He is with us. David says, "...fear will never conquer me, for You have already have!"  What conquers you will lead you.

In Psalm 84:6 its says that as they walked through the weeping valley it began to change to a place of overflow. You have to continue to go through the valley because each step is prophesying and bringing transformation to your valley. Your valley of weeping is turning to a place of refreshing and overflow.

ACTIVELY WAIT

Psalm 84:7 says, "They go from strength to strength..." "Strength" means might, ability, wealth, force. Strength to strength comes when we learn to wait upon the Lord.

Isaiah 40:29-31 says, "He gives strength to the weary, and to him who has no might He increases power. Even youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly. But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power. They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun]; they will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired."

When we wait on God it's an active waiting. It becomes a place of exchange and renewal. As you wait you begin to mount up, ascend, and arise. It's not something you have to force, it naturally occurs when we dwell with the Lord.

God wants you to catch the wind of His Spirit in this hour and begin to soar to breakthrough and new places in your Christ calling through the realm of the Spirit.  Your promise is waiting on the other side of your weeping. Keep pressing through. Breakthrough is your portion as you learn to bear fruit that remains for God’s advancing Kingdom!

ALBERT FINCH MINISTRY

[lilgreeneyes71]

Psalm 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 127:4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

Ecclesiastes 11:5 As thou knowest not what is the way of the spirit, nor how the bones do grow in the womb of her that is with child: even so thou knowest not the works of God who maketh all.

It is the Lord that forms the baby in the womb he tells Jeremiah in the verse below

Jeremiah 1:4 Then the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Psalm 139:13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.139:15 My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.139:16 Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.

Job 33:4 The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

Psalm 22:9 But thou art he that took me out of the womb: thou didst make me hope when I was upon my mother's breasts.22:10 I was cast upon thee from the womb: thou art my God from my mother's belly.

[lovebvni]

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

“Two are better than one,     because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down,     one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls     and has no one to help them up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.     But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered,     two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

always have someone to lean on during your shifting/manifestation journey. not an audience, a group of friends.

[swaggysswagg]

I thought I should share some of my favorite Bible verses. These are the ones that bring me comfort/think about a lot

Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

Ecclesiastes 3:4: "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance."

Isaiah 41:10 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand"

Matthew 11:28 - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest"

[lionofthegoldsun]

[How are two better than one]

Two are better than one in a work setting because a pair of laborers can accomplish more than a person working alone. Difficult jobs become easier with four hands and the doubled strength of two people working together. Even though profits are divided, two laborers have a better return for their efforts—they achieve more—than one person alone. Two individuals also bring a more varied skill set to the table and offer different strengths to complement and encourage one another.

Two are better than one because, “If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble,�� says Ecclesiastes 4:10 (NLT). Sometimes we fall down physically and need help getting up, but the maxim has even greater emotional and spiritual implications. When we stumble in our spiritual walk or are downtrodden with emotional burdens, it’s vital to have a friend or mentor who can come alongside us and help restore us to wholeness in our relationship with God. Paul told the Galatians, “Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1–2, NLT).

If you’ve ever spent a night out in the freezing elements, you know that two are better than one because “two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?” (Ecclesiastes 4:11, NLT). Not only is it harder to stay warm traveling alone at night, but it’s more dangerous: “A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:12, NLT).

We need Christian friends for emotional, practical, and spiritual support through life’s hardships. If we nurture relationships with other believers, we will always have someone to help us stay on track and lift us back up when we fall. God’s people are not meant to live in isolation but walk this road together (Hebrews 10:25; Acts 2:44). In the earliest days of the church, Christians “worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity” (Acts 2:46, NLT).

Jesus prayed for His followers to be united as one, just as He and the Father were one (John 17:21). This sort of unity and cooperation in the body of Christ binds believers together “in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:12–14, NLT), allowing God’s love to be “brought to full expression in us” (1 John 4:12, NLT). The body of Christ is stronger and more protected as we care for one another through adversity and celebrate life’s victories together. As we work together and walk together in the strength of unity, we accomplish more for God’s kingdom (John 13:35).

When Solomon said, “Two are better than one,” he acknowledged that true, godly friends are a comfort in need, a help in trouble, a companion in toil, and a protective guard against danger.

[libri-vita-sunt]

A challenge for my fellow academics

Read Ecclesiastes. I'm serious. Here's a peek at it:

What does man gain by all the toil

at which he toils under the sun?

 A generation goes, and a generation comes,

but the earth remains forever.

The sun rises, and the sun goes down,

and hastens to the place where it rises.

The wind blows to the south

and goes around to the north;

around and around goes the wind,

and on its circuits the wind returns

All streams run to the sea,

but the sea is not full;

to the place where the streams flow,

there they flow again.

All things are full of weariness;

a man cannot utter it;

the eye is not satisfied with seeing,

nor the ear filled with hearing.

What has been is what will be,

and what has been done is what will be done,

and there is nothing new under the sun.

Is there a thing of which it is said,

“See, this is new”?

It has been already

in the ages before us.

There is no remembrance of former things,

nor will there be any remembrance

of later things yet to be

among those who come after.

Ecclesiastes 1:3-11

It's full of poetry, rich language, and It's the only book of philosophy that gives true hope at the end. It covers everything.

It was written by Solomon, who was a king of ancient Israel. It says in 1 Kings 10: 23 that "King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom." He was the wisest, as well as the richest man in the world. This guy had access to everything. That's important to know as you read.

Another thing: in Ecclesiastes, it mentions the fear of the Lord/fear of God often. When it says this, it does not mean fear as in you're scared of God. It means a deep reverence, an awe that leads you to honor and obey God.

Coming off of that, when it mentions wisdom, it does not mean mere book knowledge or logical prowess. It is using the definition of wisdom in Proverbs 1:7, "the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." In the Bible, when it talks about true wisdom, it means a reverence and honor and obedience of God. First, you must agree with God about who you are and who he is, then through that lens you can properly view the world. I pretty much gave away Ecclesiastes right there. :)

Using that definition of wisdom, a foolish person would be a person who hates God, scoffs at God, doesn't believe God exists, doesn't obey or desire to obey God, and doesn't want to listen to a wise person who tells them to fear God.

Defining terms is always helpful. I hope that was helpful for you guys!

Also, it's important to read to the end to get the point of Ecclesiastes. And I would also recommend reading it through in one sitting. If you finish it and want more, I would recommend the whole Bible. But for more specific direction, Genesis explains the beginning of the world, John explains Jesus, Proverbs talks about wisdom, and Ephesians explains the gospel.

My biggest challenge to you, my fellow academics, is not simply to read Ecclesiastes, but to inspect your own heart as you read. Be brutally honest with yourself. Are you truly wise, or are you striving after wind? Is your life vanity?

It doesn't have to be.

[silo1013]

crazy thing to be asking in 2025 but do you have any mulder/krycek fic recs? i trust your judgement

oh my god i’ve been waiting for an ask like this my whole life. i feel like i just got chosen by a green lantern ring. okay hold on. so just a word of warning, a lot of x files fanfic on ao3 was ported from livejournal in the 10’s, and because of how livejournal was put together in the late 90’s and early 00’s a lot of it has very minimal tagging; i have a firm no rape/incest/pedophilia policy so nothing here contains any of that but otherwise read at your own risk regarding graphic violence/sexual content. ok here

tight squeeze by flutesong (rated M)

portent by dbkate (rated E)

restitution by cody nelson (rated E)

policy of truth by hayleyisbored (rated T)

overhead, the stars by bardsmaid (rated T)

evidence by quercus (rated M) - this is, allowing for backdating of ported LJ works, the first M/K fic on ao3!

ecclesiastes 4:11 by quercus (rated G)

road trip by keiko kirin (rated E)

darker with the lights on by pares (rated G)

the heart of the matter by spike (rated E) - this one’s mulder/scully/krycek. i have a thing for their horrible polycule

and i know you asked for M/K specifically but unfortunately i do need to take this opportunity to gas up my favorite x files genfic of all time that should have way WAY more hits that it does: suicide squeeze by discordant words (rated T)

have fun 👍

[yieldfruit]

How do I go about confessing my sins? It just always confuses me that Jesus sacrificed himself for our sins so that we are forgiven or can be forgiven? If we are already forgiven then why do we need to keep repenting when we unwillingly commit sins such as cursing when emotionally frustrating or doing things out of temper ... or if jesus is the reason why we can be forgiven then we wouldn't be forgiven no matter what if it werent for jesus? What about the people that existed prior to Jesus being born?

Your questions are many and I will try to break them each down simply and supportive with Scripture. Bear with me.

i. You pray to God and confess your sins, tell Him what you have done and ask for His forgiveness. When we sin, we sin against a Holy God and we don't feel right, there is a lack of peace and fellowship with God it can feel like (Ephesians 4:30, grieving the Spirit it's referred to for believers); it is a good thing if we cannot rest in our sin and have peace living in sin, because the Holy Spirit indwells the believer (Ephesians 4:30, 1 Corinthians 6:19). If we feel no guilt when sinning, we keep on and see no wrong and justify it, it would seem we are not saved because how can we love/rejoice in what God hates (John 14, 1 John 2, 1 Corinthians 11:32, Hebrews 12:8). There should be a "war", if you will, within a believer of sin and not having peace living in sin. We live in victory and not defeat, because Christ paid the cost, but we don't go on willfully sinning (Romans 6). We all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but we don't stay there. We still sin (1 John 1), but a believer will not want to be enslaved to sin. It will bother a believer; that is the Holy Spirit conviction. This is a good thing! Sanctification is a process and it is a good thing to be convicted of sin and freeing to confess it to our Holy God who loves us.

ii. Yes, Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He paid the cost that we may no longer be guilty.

"When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we receive salvation and forgiveness. But that’s not all. The Bible says we also receive justification, redemption, reconciliation, atonement, propitiation, and regeneration. Each of these theological terms expresses wonderful truths about the blessing we receive when Jesus becomes our Savior. Salvation and forgiveness, while related, are not exactly the same. The term salvation comes from the Greek word sozo, which means 'to be delivered, rescued.' Salvation is deliverance from the penalty of sin, that is, eternal separation from God (Romans 6:23; Matthew 25:46). Salvation is God’s rescuing us from our deserved fate. Salvation also includes a more immediate deliverance from the power of sin in this life. Sin has lost its dominion over the saved ones (Romans 6:14). Faith in Jesus Christ rescues us from the empty and meaningless life described in Ecclesiastes and provides us with a life that is abundant and fruitful (John 10:10; Galatians 5:22–23). The term forgiveness comes from the Greek word aphiemi, which means 'to let go, to give up, to keep no longer.' When Jesus forgives us, our sins, trespasses, iniquities, and transgressions are erased, wiped off the record. Forgiveness of sin is analogous to financial debt being erased. When God forgives us of our sins, we are free. Our sins are wiped out. God will never hold them against us (Psalm 103:12). Salvation and forgiveness are closely related. There is no salvation without forgiveness. Salvation is God’s delivering us from the consequences of sin. Forgiveness is God’s erasing our sin debt. To use a financial illustration, forgiveness is God’s shredding the documents that list our debt, and salvation is God’s letting us out of debtors’ prison. Praise God for the wonderful salvation and forgiveness He has provided. May our lives reflect gratitude for all He has done for us (Romans 12:1)." Source

iii. I'm unsure I understand your full question, but apart from receiving Jesus as our Savior (the propitiation of our sins) there is no forgiveness. There is no other Way (John 14:6). We can never be good enough, keep the law perfectly, achieve nirvana, pay the debt, whatever you want to call it. Salvation, forgiveness, peace only comes through Jesus Christ. And this new life (being born again in Scripture; see John 3:6-7) will bring forth a new life in you; you will be set apart (sanctification; see 2 Timothy 2). "Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life, for those who are not holy will not see the Lord." Hebrews 12:14. We are saved by grace alone through faith alone–"For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" Ephesians 2:8-9. Our faith, however, will show forth a new life/being born again/sanctification- there will be fruit, where there is no fruit there is no new life. "Faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." James 2:18; "He cuts off every branch of Mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more." John 15:2.

iv. See https://www.gotquestions.org/Old-Testament-salvation.html

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Approaching God with Awe

1 Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Draw near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2 Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. After all, God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.

3 As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.

4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay in fulfilling it, because He takes no pleasure in fools. Fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to vow than to make a vow and not fulfill it.

6 Do not let your mouth cause your flesh to sin, and do not tell the messengera that your vow was a mistake. Why should God be angry with your words and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For as many dreams bring futility, so do many words. Therefore, fear God.

The Futility of Wealth (Psalm 49:1–20)

8 If you see the oppression of the poor and the denial of justice and righteousness in the province, do not be astonished at the matter; for one official is watched by a superior, and others higher still are over them. 9 The produce of the earth is taken by all; the king himself profits from the fields.

10 He who loves money is never satisfied by money, and he who loves wealth is never satisfied by income. This too is futile. 11 When good things increase, so do those who consume them; what then is the profit to the owner, except to behold them with his eyes?

12 The sleep of the worker is sweet, whether he eats little or much, but the abundance of the rich man permits him no sleep.

13 There is a grievous evil I have seen under the sun: wealth hoarded to the harm of its owner, 14 or wealth lost in a failed venture, so when that man has a son there is nothing to pass on.

15 As a man came from his mother’s womb, so he will depart again, naked as he arrived. He takes nothing for his labor to carry in his hands. 16 This too is a grievous evil: Exactly as a man is born, so he will depart. What does he gain as he toils for the wind? 17 Moreover, all his days he eats in darkness, with much sorrow, sickness, and anger.

18 Here is what I have seen to be good and fitting: to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in all the labor one does under the sun during the few days of life that God has given him—for this is his lot.

19 Furthermore, God has given riches and wealth to every man, and He has enabled him to enjoy them, to accept his lot, and to rejoice in his labor. This is a gift from God. 20 For a man seldom considers the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with the joy of his heart. — Ecclesiastes 5 | Berean Standard Bible (BSB) The Berean Study Bible (BSB) © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub and Berean Bible. All rights Reserved. Cross References: Exodus 3:5; Exodus 23:25; Exodus 30:18; Leviticus 4:2; Leviticus 4:22; Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 12:7; Deuteronomy 12:18; Deuteronomy 23:21; Judges 11:35; 2 Chronicles 1:12; Job 1:21; Job 11:2; Job 20:20; Psalm 39:6; Psalm 127:2; Proverbs 3:24; Proverbs 10:19; Proverbs 15:2; Proverbs 22:16; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Ecclesiastes 1:8; Ecclesiastes 2:9,10 and 11; Ecclesiastes 2:23; Ecclesiastes 3:13-14; Ecclesiastes 6:1-2; Ecclesiastes 7:18; Matthew 6:7; Acts 5:4; 1 Corinthians 16:16; 1 Timothy 6:7; 1 Peter 4:12

Ecclesiastes 5 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (concise)

Key Passages in Ecclesiastes 5

1. vanities in divine service 8. in murmuring against oppression 9. and in riches 18. Joy in riches is the gift of God.

[steveezekiel]

NO HARM CAN COME UPON US

"HER HEADS JUDGE FOR A BRIBE, HER PRIESTS TEACH FOR PAY, AND HER PROPHETS DIVINE FOR MONEY. Yet they lean on the Lord, and say, “IS NOT THE LORD AMONG US? NO HARM CAN COME UPON US.”

Micah 3:11 (NKJV)

Comment: In this passage of the Bible, we could see the trend of things in Israel at the time of prophet Micah.

a. The heads or rulers, those who are at the leadership, judge for a bribe (Micah 3:11). In other words, money given to them would determine whether they would give justice or not to the person concerned.

b. And the priests who supposed to teach the people the principles of God, the law, also do that for money. They would have to be paid before they do what God did assign them to do. Those who had money are the ones that would be privileged to be part of the teaching they organized (Micah 3:11).

c. Whilst the prophets divine or see vision for people on the basis of money (Micah 3:11).

With all these, the same people at the leadership still leaned or depended on God for His protection, goodness and every benevolence or kindness. They say: "IS NOT THE LORD AMONG US? NO HARM CAN COME ON US" (Micah 3:11 NKJV).

All that are mentioned in the passage that those who are at the leadership in Israel were doing are being done in the church of Christ today and the government of nations.

a. Those in the political leadership and the judicial system are highly corrupted.

b. And in the church, the ministers of God who should be trusted are after money (Philippians 3:18,19). The truth of God's Word is not preached and taught again.

c. The prophets in the church collect consultation money or fees before they could be seen for counselings or prayers (2 Corinthians 11:20).

We see mysterious things happening in the church at times, we tend to query God, asking Him Why would He allow such a thing to happen to a believer or a minister of His? But most of such things happened when a believer or a minister has done wrong or gone astray, derailed from God's precepts or principles.

a. This same believer or minister who is not living in line with God's Word is still trusting God to be his or her defence or protection.

b. They still believe that no harm would befall or come on them.

But the truth is, If the devil found his property in your life, he definitely will strike you very hard (John 15;30). The issue is not with God mainly but the adversary (1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:10). Even If God decided to overlook whatever you are doing wrong, the adversary, the devil, the accuser of brethren, the believers, would not overlook. The devil is watching and ready to accuse day and night: " . . . FOR THE ACCUSER OF OUR BRETHREN WHO ACCUSED THEM BEFORE OUR GOD DAY AND NIGHT . . . " (Revelation 12:10).

If God chose to overlook every now and then when you missed it, the devil would always be there to stand and question the integrity and justice of God (Job 1:9-12; 2:4-6). Whatever you are doing wrong, contrary to the Word of God, or the principles found in the Bible; gives an inroad or incursion to the devil in your life.

It would be a false hope and a mirage for a believer or a minister who is underhanded—not honest and aboveboard—to be claiming that God is with him or her or among their people. Claiming that no harm would come on him or her, or on their home or those who identify with them.

It takes holiness (1 Peter 1:15,16), walking in the precepts of God, in the principles found in the Bible, for the devil to be allayed, or be kept in an arm's length. When holiness and purity is not in place (Hebrews 12:14), God's wall of protection and defence are made crumble (Ecclesiastes 10:8).

Peace.