Does Ecclesiastes 3:21" TARGET="_blank">Ecclesiastes 3:21 teach that animals have spirits?

Ecclesiastes is inspired, but records the thoughts of men "under the sun," ideas derived without the benefit of divine revelation. For instance, "the earth abideth for ever" (1:4) is deemed true only when the scriptures are ignored. We cannot, therefore, base doctrine on the statements of Ecclesiastes. Furthermore, the varied translations of this verse, "Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth?" leave some questions as to its meaning. These statements may be merely what was commonly accepted in Solomon’s day. Five of the first six times "living soul" is used in Genesis 1" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 1 and 2, it refers to animals ("living creatures," 1:20, 21, 24, 30; 2:19; see also Job 12:10)." TARGET="_blank">Job 12:10). What distinguishes men, though, is that the Lord God "breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul" (2:7) Adam was formed uniquely by God, Who is spirit and directly "breathed" life into him. God’s creative purpose was to make man capable of relating to Himself (1:26; 3:8). This requires that man be a spirit being, for "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit..." (John 4:24)." TARGET="_blank">John 4:24). The creation, until what is introduced in Genesis 2:7," TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:7, was material. This indicates that animals are totally material, their body and soul being no different. The soul gives individuality; for man, that involves a spiritual and eternal identity, but only a material and temporal identity for animals. Paul’s statement that our bodies - without our soul and spirit - are "soulish" (literally "natural," I Corinthians 15:44)" TARGET="_blank">I Corinthians 15:44) may support this.

As to an animal’s "spirit," the word is often translated "breath." Its context determines its meaning. "The breath of life" is used of both man (Genesis 2:7)" TARGET="_blank">Genesis 2:7) and animals (6:17; 7:15, 22), but the first is from God and is therefore spiritual, imparting life; the second is physical, indicating what has breathe and is therefore living. This is likely the best way to understand any thought of "spirit" in the animal creation.

D. Oliver
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Is it possible for a person to get a fresh revelation from the Lord today?

Is it possible for a person to get a fresh revelation from the Lord today?

We need fresh illumination of what has already been written. The Spirit of God illuminates a submissive believer through the completed Word of God (1Co. 2:13)." TARGET="_blank">1Co. 2:13). However, both the gift of prophecy and inspired revelations ended with the death of the apostle John (see above).

Joel’s prophecy (2:28-31) indicates that the prophetic gift will again function after the Rapture and before the Lord’s return to earth. Daniel 12:4" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 12:4 refers to this unsealing of knowledge as individuals search the Scriptures. These tribulation prophets, the same as all the New Testament prophets, will not reveal new truth as Old Testaments prophets did but will have authority to interpret and apply existing Scriptures to their present circumstances.

God has been fully revealed in His Son, the living Word, and in His Scriptures, the written Word. The two are inseparable.

D. Oliver
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What is the Christian's political duty?

What is the Christian’s relationship to government?

Primarily, believers are to obey and be subject to government at every level (Romans 13:1;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1)." TARGET="_blank">Titus 3:1). Although some Roman officials were immoral, corrupt, unjust, and idolatrous, believers paid taxes and tariffs, and feared and honored officials (Romans 13:7;" TARGET="_blank">Romans 13:7; 1 Peter 2:13, 14, 17)." TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:13, 14, 17). By paying the temple tax and advocating "rendering to Caesar" (Matthew 17:27; 22:21)," TARGET="_blank">Matthew 17:27; 22:21), the Lord exemplified this. The revisionist view of "Jesus the political subversive" is without biblical support.

Occasionally obedience to God and to government conflict, requiring us "to obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 5:29). The Lord and His followers encountered this "wrongful governance" through injustice to themselves and others (slavery). Their resistance was passive, not reforming the government, but rather personally obeying God. Active resistance is disobedience to God.

Governments protect and provide services to their community, benefits in which believers share. Paul accepted this protection (Acts 23:17)" TARGET="_blank">Acts 23:17) and also used his citizenship to further the gospel (Acts 16:37; 21:39; 22:24; 25:11)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 16:37; 21:39; 22:24; 25:11).

Some believers work for the government, as did Erastus (Romans 16:23)," TARGET="_blank">Romans 16:23), the city treasurer (NASB). They have two limitations: consistency with the government’s mandate (serving the community, Romans 13:4)" TARGET="_blank">Romans 13:4) and Christian morality (executing righteous policy). Reforming or leading the government seems inconsistent with subjection to the government.

D. Oliver
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Where is the fine line between submission and personal identity?

Where is the fine line between submission and personal identity?

Scriptural teaching does not present contradictions. God intends a woman to submit to her husband (Ephesians 5:22)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:22). God intends each believer to fully develop emotionally, socially, and mentally; He has ordained ultimate likeness to Christ for each one (Romans 8:29)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:29).

A husband whose view of his wifes submission includes squelching her personhood needs to submit his thinking to the Word of God. His headship gives him the responsibility of lovingly nurturing her toward full development of all that will give her honor at the Judgment Seat of Christ. She is a believer who has equal standing with him in Christ (Galatians 3:28)." TARGET="_blank">Galatians 3:28).

Her submission to the leadership God entrusted to Him will not limit her functioning in life, if she were suddenly widowed.

D. Oliver
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Is confidence of value in the service of God?

Is confidence of value in the service of God?

Self-confidence is a plague in divine service (Jeremiah 17:5)." TARGET="_blank">Jeremiah 17:5). When a believer relies on his presumed ability, his service for God can produce nothing (John 15:5)." TARGET="_blank">John 15:5). When a believer, because He feels inadequate, does not serve in a work God has given him, he too is a liability and equally self-reliant.

Confidence in God is indispensable. When a believer - parent, preacher, spouse, or elder - knows that God has given him a responsibility, he should have confidence that God will provide the grace and ability to accomplish the divine intention for that work (Judges 6:14)." TARGET="_blank">Judges 6:14). Could a believer wish for more, or less, than that?

D. Oliver
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I am thinking about suicide. Can God help me?

I am thinking about suicide. Can God help me?

Suicide is a tragic decision regardless of the reasons one may have for contemplating killing one's self. In addition to seeking help from a doctor or counselor, there are some important facts from the Bible that will help you.

What is Satan's goal for you?

First, know that Satan is at work trying to lead you to destruction. If you are not saved, the moment after you die you will be in hell. If you were conscience of the fact that you will be either in heaven or hell forever, suicide would take on a far greater meaning. You cannot come back after death. You cannot change your mistake.

A story in the Bible tells of the awful shock of a man who died without being prepared.

Luke 16:19-31" TARGET="_blank">Luke 16:19-31 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. (20) And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, (21) who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. (22) The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, (23) and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. (24) And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' (25) But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. (26) And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' (27) And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house-- (28) for I have five brothers--so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' (29) But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' (30) And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' (31) He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'"

Second, know that life makes little sense without God in control. You were designed to know God and for him to enjoy you as well. When a person is saved, God gives him eternal life, a home in heaven and forgiveness of sins. Here are some Bible verses that explain the great benefits of being saved:

Romans 8:1" TARGET="_blank">Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

John 5:24" TARGET="_blank">John 5:24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

2 Corinthians 5:17" TARGET="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

Being freed from guilt is like living with a weight lifted from life. Knowing that you are on good terms with God will help you see life in a new way.

Having eternal life changes your perspective on the smallness of events in life. The loss of a job or a boyfriend is insignificant compared to the great eternity that is beyond this life.

Having a new life changes the habits we struggle with. Salvation gives you a new start in life.

Other Information about Teen Suicide / Suicide Thoughts

Read the story of Joel Hovey , who decided one day that he would commit suicide, but then found peace in God instead.

You might also be asking the following questions about suicide...

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Was Moses "slow in speech" or "mighty in word"?

In Exodus 4:10," TARGET="_blank">Exodus 4:10, Moses complained of “slowness of speech” but Stephen in Acts 7" TARGET="_blank">Acts 7:. says he was “mighty in words and in deeds.” Is there not a contradiction here?

Someone has said that Moses took forty years in Egypt learning all the wisdom of the Egyptians, then forty years in Midian learning that he knew nothing after all, and then forty years in the wilderness in learning what God could do with a man who had learned he knew nothing. There is no contradiction here, or anywhere else in the Scriptures. We read first what Stephen says of Moses, that he was “mighty in words and deeds,” that is, during his Egyptian period; then what Moses says of himself. Perhaps there are good speakers to-day who are genuinely diffident, and are quite unaware they are eloquent. It does not matter, if they think so, as long as they are all the more cast upon God and fulfil their ministry. Possibly the reverse is true of some of us. We think we can speak and would do well to be more often silent. In fact, the word is addressed to all “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”

W.H.

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If man is incapable of pleasing God in his sins, then why does God commend Cornelius in Acts 10?

How do the commending statements about Cornelius harmonize with teaching regarding human depravity?

Cornelius was just and reputable, prayed, feared God, and gave alms (Acts 10:2, 4, 22, 24, 31, 35)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 10:2, 4, 22, 24, 31, 35). These notable commendations coordinate with Peters growing awareness ("I perceive," verse 34) through previous revelation (eg. Luke 24:47)," TARGET="_blank">Luke 24:47), his vision (Acts 10:11-16)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 10:11-16), and his circumstances (verses 19-33) that God makes no distinction between Jews and Gentiles who seek Him (verse 35).

"There is not a just man upon earth" (Ecclesiastes 7:20;" TARGET="_blank">Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10);" TARGET="_blank">Romans 3:10); "there is no fear of God" in man by nature (Romans 3:18);" TARGET="_blank">Romans 3:18); "there is none that seeketh after God" (Romans 3:11)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 3:11). These harmonize with what is said about Cornelius only because he responded to the light of divine revelation and the dealings of the Spirit of God. Although he was not saved (Acts 11:14)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 11:14), he chose to do right things; yet each of those acts came short of Gods righteous requirements (Romans 3:23)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 3:23). None of what is said about Cornelius indicates that he was saved apart from grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8)." TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 2:8). Gods grace spoke to Cornelius, granting him repentance (11:18) and remission of sins (10:43). Before and after his salvation, Cornelius had nothing in which to boast before God. As is proper, he submitted to God.

D. Oliver
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How can I begin a conversation about salvation?

What are some effective ways to begin a conversation about spiritual things?

In dealing with a soul, five basic things are required: the power of God; the guidance of the Spirit; a knowledge of the Scriptures; prayer; and common sense. Consider his surroundings, circumstances, nationality (if possible), and vocation. Be relaxed (the Lord sat, John 4);" TARGET="_blank">John 4); be pleasant; be passive; show an interest in things that interest him. Follow Paul's advice (1 Corinthians 9: 19-22)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 9: 19-22) by becoming all things to all men. Never elevate yourself, but elevate him and win his confidence by asking secular questions he can answer, expressing gratitude to him for enlightening you, and recognizing his attainments. Never argue. As you do this, pray to God, as Nehemiah (2:4) did, for an opening to sow the Seed. To a fireman, talk fire. Praise his bravery, then bring before him the fire that never shall be quenched (Mark 9:43)." TARGET="_blank">Mark 9:43). To a coal miner, talk about digging and that you were afraid to work in a mine, then tell of a man in the Bible who dug (Luke 6:48)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 6:48). Wearing a suit among business people will gain respect and a ready ear. In a mining village or on a farm, leave your tie at home, lest you appear "important." Have a suitable tract ready.

R. Surgenor

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what are the Gates of Hell?

“What are the Gates of Hell?”

This phrase is used only once in the Bible, Jesus speaking to Peter about the Rock on which He would build his church, and “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)" TARGET="_blank">Matthew 16:18) These gates are clearly a force trying to “prevail” or win over the Church. So . . .

what can it be?

First of all, the word for hell here is the Greek word “Hades” which is also translated “grave”. Revelation 20:13" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:13 tells us that Hades holds dead people, and delivers them up for the final judgment, so it is like a prison. It is given as the place where the rich man in Luke 16 ended up, burning in flames. In Revelation 6:8" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 6:8 Hades comes as a person, following along behind Death on a pale, sickly green horse, so the prison has a ghastly warden.

We can look at these “gates” then in two related ways. One is as a devil-manned fortification trying to capture and hold conquered prisoners. Many verses - such as 2 Timothy 2:26" TARGET="_blank">2 Timothy 2:26 - talk about the devil holding people captive.

The other is based on the ancient custom of conducting all governmental business in “the gates” of the city, the place where the judges and legislators sat. In that case “the gates” represent more generally the authority structure of the devil as he commands his minions to try to undermine everything Jesus and His Church are trying to do. Perhaps not much difference when all is said and done, since the Savior’s business is freeing prisoners from Satan’s grasp.

So what about Jesus and His Church? Acts 2:31" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:31 tells us that the Savior’s soul could not be held in Hades, just like His body could not

be held in the tomb. He crashed those gates open, raided the Enemy, disarming him (Colossians 2:15)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 2:15) and leading the Captor captive (Eph. 4:8 1)." TARGET="_blank">Eph. 4:8 1). Jesus and His Church are seen, frankly, laughing at Hades’ weakness and defeat (1 Corinthians 15:55)." TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 15:55). We read that the Lord Jesus now has the keys to those gates (Revelation 1:18)." TARGET="_blank">Revelation 1:18). With those keys in hand He has all authority in every place, and expects His Church to extract as many prisoners from the devil’s clutches as possible while there still is time.

C. T. Studd was a wealthy young man in the 1800s who was also a world-class athlete in cricket. He turned his back on all of that and gave his life to missionary work on two continents, seeing people saved. A couplet he wrote expresses his keen awareness of the role the Lord Jesus gave the Church with regard to these “gates” and what he intended to do about it with the time and money he had:

“Some want to live within the sound of church or chapel bell; I want to run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.”

When it comes to winning lost souls the Church has full authority and power to see them “delivered … from the power of darkness, and … translated into the kingdom of His (God’s) dear Son.” (Colossians 1:13) Hades’ gates can’t defeat us but must give way time and time again. If you are not saved, I hope and pray that you will be among those we can see sprung out in time.

Alfred Corduan

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