Ecclesiastes
(Finding the Gospel of Jesus in Ecclesiastes: Hope Beyond Vanity)
The book of Ecclesiastes is one of the most unique books in the Bible. Written by King Solomon in his later years, it takes a deep look at the meaning of life, its fleeting nature, and the frustration that comes from chasing after temporary things. On the surface, Ecclesiastes can seem dark or even depressing because the writer repeatedly says, “everything is meaningless” or “vanity of vanities!” (Ecclesiastes 1:2). Yet, when we take a closer look, we find that the book holds profound wisdom—and even points us to the hope of the Gospel in Jesus Christ.
The Frustration of Life Without God
Throughout Ecclesiastes, Solomon shares his personal journey of trying to find meaning in all kinds of pursuits: wealth, wisdom, pleasure, hard work, and achievements. He had everything the world could offer, yet his conclusion is that none of it brought lasting satisfaction. “I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
What Solomon discovered is that life lived “under the sun,” meaning life lived without considering God or eternity, is ultimately empty. Without God, even the good things in life—success, relationships, and knowledge—are temporary and unable to give true purpose. This is a message that resonates with us today, especially in a world that often chases after wealth, fame, and pleasure, hoping to find fulfillment.
But here’s the thing: Ecclesiastes doesn’t just leave us with this sense of frustration. Instead, it leads us toward a deeper understanding of why we need God and how true satisfaction is found in Him. And this is where we begin to see the seeds of the Gospel.
Our Longing for Eternity
One of the key verses in Ecclesiastes that hints at the Gospel is Ecclesiastes 3:11, where Solomon writes, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, He has set eternity in the human heart.” This verse is powerful because it reminds us that, deep down, we all long for something more than just the temporary pleasures and experiences of this life. We have an eternal longing, placed in our hearts by God, that can only be fulfilled in Him.
This eternal longing points us directly to Jesus Christ. Solomon realized that nothing in this world can satisfy the human heart because we were created for something eternal, something greater than what life “under the sun” can offer. Jesus Himself said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). Through Jesus, we find the life we were truly meant for—an abundant, eternal life with God.
The Problem of Death and Sin
Another major theme in Ecclesiastes is the certainty of death. No matter how much wealth, wisdom, or success a person gains, everyone will eventually die (Ecclesiastes 9:2-3). This reality makes Solomon question, “What is the point of all these things if death comes for everyone?” It’s a stark reminder that life is fragile and that nothing we accumulate can save us from the grave.
But here’s where the Gospel shines through again. The New Testament tells us that the ultimate problem isn’t just physical death—it’s spiritual death because of sin (Romans 6:23). Yet, Jesus came to deal with both problems. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated sin and death, offering us eternal life. In 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, Paul declares, “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”
Ecclesiastes shows us the problem—life without God is meaningless and death comes for everyone. But the Gospel gives us the solution: Jesus conquered death and gives eternal life to all who believe in Him (John 11:25-26).
Finding Meaning Through God
In the final chapter of Ecclesiastes, Solomon reaches his ultimate conclusion: “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Solomon realized that the only true meaning in life is found in a relationship with God and living according to His will.
The Gospel takes this a step further by revealing that it’s not just about fearing God or trying to be good enough. It’s about receiving the grace and righteousness of Jesus Christ. In Christ, we are not only forgiven but also made righteous before God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Jesus invites us into a relationship with God that fulfills the deepest desires of our hearts and gives meaning to our lives, both now and for eternity.
The Gospel in Ecclesiastes
Ecclesiastes teaches us some hard but important truths: life without God is empty, death is inevitable, and nothing in this world can truly satisfy us. But these truths point us to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, where we find hope, meaning, and eternal life. Jesus is the answer to the frustration Solomon describes. Through Him, we are given purpose, forgiveness, and a hope that transcends the temporary nature of this world.
If you’ve ever wondered what the meaning of life is or struggled with the question of why things seem so fleeting, Ecclesiastes is the book for you. It will challenge you to look beyond the surface of life and see the deeper truths that can only be found in God. And as you read, you’ll discover that the longing for eternity that Solomon speaks of is fulfilled in Jesus, who offers us life to the full.
Reading Ecclesiastes with an open heart will lead you to the ultimate truth: life is meaningless without God, but in Christ, everything finds its purpose. So go read Ecclesiastes, and let it point you to the One who makes life worth living—Jesus Christ.
