Finding Meaning in Life –
An overview of Ecclesiastes Contrasted with New Life in Christ
There is a futility of human endeavours without God. True joy and meaning are found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ. The main themes from the book of Ecclesiastes must be considered, where Solomon explores various avenues people pursue to find meaning in life. He concludes that they are ultimately empty without God.
People seek many different philosophical perspectives on meaning, such as human effort/work, human achievement, building for future generations, human wisdom, pleasure-seeking,and even nihilism/absurdism. However, true meaning and purpose are found only in Christ and His kingdom. A relationship with God, which is available to all who believe in Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, is the key to experiencing true meaning in life.
Key Points:
1. Five fingers for five Bible truths:
○ God rules: The Bible teaches that God created everything and is in
charge of everything.
○ We sinned: Everyone disobeys God, which is called sin, leading to
separation from Him and deserving punishment.
○ God provided: God sent Jesus as the perfect solution to our sin problem,
rescuing us and offering salvation.
○ Jesus gave: Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and
rose again, providing the gift of eternal life.
○ We respond: We can respond to Jesus by admitting our sin, believing in
Him, and confessing Him as Lord.
2. Ecclesiastes’ view on the futility of human endeavours:
○ All is vanity without God: The Teacher in Ecclesiastes declares that
everything is futile and meaningless.
○ Solomon’s exploration: Solomon tries various pursuits to find meaning but
concludes that they are empty without God.
○ Worldly philosophies of meaning: human effort/work, human achievement,
building for future generations, human wisdom, pleasure-seeking, and
even nihilism/absurdism all fall short of providing true meaning.
3. True Meaning is Found only in Christ and His Kingdom:
○ The significance of a relationship with God: To find true meaning, one
must be in a right relationship with God and be forgiven of sins.
○ God’s rule and provision: The Bible teaches that God created everything
and sent Jesus to rescue humanity from sin and provide salvation.
○ Jesus’ sacrifice: Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross, and rose
again, offering eternal life and welcoming believers into God’s family.
○ Finding meaning in Christ: The passage encourages individuals to
recognize the value of dedicating their lives to Christ and finding purpose
in serving Him.
4. CT Studd’s example: CT Studd’s life exemplifies the pursuit of true meaning in
Christ, as he willingly sacrificed his wealth and privilege to follow Jesus
wholeheartedly.
5. Response:
○ Admit, Believe, Confess: To respond to Jesus, one must admit their sin
and inability to save themselves, believe in Jesus’ sacrifice, and confess
Him as Lord and Saviour.
○ Salvation through faith: Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith in
Jesus.
6. Key Bible verses:
○ Various passages from the Book of Ecclesiastes, considering the futility of
a pursuit of meaning without God at the centre of one’s life.
○ Genesis 1:1 and Colossians 1:16-17: Remind us that God is the creator
and ruler of everything.
○ Romans 3:23 and 6:23: Highlight the universal presence of sin and its
consequence of death.
○ John 3:16 and Ephesians 2:8-9: Express God’s provision of salvation
through Jesus’ sacrifice and the importance of accepting the free gift of
salvation by faith.
○ John 10:17-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4: Explain Jesus’ sacrifice and
resurrection, providing eternal life.
○ Romans 10:9-13: Encourages confession and commitment to Jesus as Lord.
Tim Anderson
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