(“One Fate For All”)

Ecclesiastes 9:1-9 (NASU)

2“It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and for the unclean; for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good man is, so is the sinner; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear. 3This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men. Furthermore, the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead.” (Ecclesiastes 9:2-3)

(A) A BRIEF DISCOURSE ON DEATH

(1) There’s a saying that, “death is a part of life”. It’s certainly a part of life as WE know it – part of life in a fallen world – but it was not part of life in the Garden of Eden prior to the Fall. And I say that because when God gave Adam the one prohibition we know of, He said: 16“… You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; 17but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die” (c.f. Genesis 2:16-17, NIV).

Now we may wonder how much Adam understood at that point about the concept of death, and what death is – seeing as how no one had died yet, so far as we know. But we also have to wonder how this warning could have had any real impact on him if he knew he was going to die at some point regardless of whether he obeyed God or not.

So again I say, that even though death is a part of life now, it was not part of the life mankind originally knew in the days immediately following the completion of creation.

(2) Scripture says death exists as a result of sin. Specifically, what Romans chapter five says, is that: “sin entered into the world (through one man), and death (entered into the world) through sin” (c.f. Romans 5:12).

One of the reasons you and I live under the sentence of death is because we have personally sinned against God – because the warning God gave Adam in the Garden of Eden was not an idle threat (c.f. Genesis 2:17-18). As Scripture says elsewhere: “The person who sins will die” (c.f. Ezekiel 18:20). What’s more, one sin is all it takes to qualify – as the Book of James says: “whoever … stumbles in one point (is) … guilty” (i.e. guilty of sin – and therefore deserving of death) (c.f. James 2:10).

Scripture is clear about the connection between sin and death, saying in one place that: “the wages of sin is death” (c.f. Romans 6:23) – and again, that: “death (has) spread to all men, because all (have) sinned” (c.f. Romans 5:12) – and once more, that: “sin … brings forth death” (c.f. James 1:15).

(3) There’s another saying that, “Death is no respecter of persons” – i.e. death comes to all people, regardless of who they are or what they’ve done. Rich and poor, great and small, black and white, Muslims and Christians, Democrats and Republicans, Calvinists and Arminians, law-abiding citizens and law-breakers, men and women, young and old – death eventually comes to everyone – sooner or later we’re all going to die!

There have been a couple of exceptions, of course. Enoch, who lived seven generations after Adam (c.f. Jude 1:14), was apparently taken up to heaven without dying (c.f. Genesis 5:24) – as was the prophet Elijah (c.f. II Kings 2:11). Also, believers who are alive on earth when Jesus returns will apparently never taste death, being “caught up in the clouds to the meet Him in the air” instead (c.f. I Thessalonians 4:15-17). But, everyone else is going to die – the vast majority of people who have ever lived, or ever will live, are going to taste death – in all likelihood you and I are going to die – in keeping with that verse in the Book of Hebrews that says: “it is appointed for men to die” (c.f. Hebrews 9:27).

(4) Solomon said much the same thing in tonight’s text. For example, in verse two he said (in part) that: “It is the same for all. There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked” – and again, in verse three, that: “there is one fate for all men” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:2-3).

The immediate context makes it clear Solomon is talking about death – that the “one fate” to which he refers is the fact that we’re all going to die. Hence, he says in verse three that after a life “of evil and insanity”, the sons of men “go to the dead” – in verse four he quotes a proverb, saying that, “a live dog is better than a dead lion” – while in verse five he says: “the living know they will die; but the dead (don’t) know anything” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3-5).

You may recall this is not the first time Solomon has addressed the issue of death, or the fact all men are going to die. For example, back in chapter two (speaking of wise men and fools) he said: 14“… I know that one fate befalls them both. 15… As is the fate of the fool, (so) it will also befall me” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 2:14-15). In chapter three he dropped the comparison down one level, saying that: “the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed … (in this regard) there is no advantage for man over beast” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 3:19). And then, in chapter seven he said: “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to … a house of feasting, because that (i.e. death) is the end of every man, and the living takes it to heart” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 7:2).

In tonight’s Scripture lesson – particularly verses two through six – Solomon once again takes up a discourse on the subject of death, stressing the fact that when it comes to dying, “there is one fate for all men” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3). So, what we want to do now, is go back and take a closer look at some of the things the Holy Spirit inspired Solomon to write.

(B) SOLOMON’S DISCOURSE ON DEATH

(1) In verse two, then, Solomon said: “It is the same for all. (That is) There is one fate for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, for the clean and for the unclean; for the man who offers a sacrifice and for the one who does not sacrifice. As the good man is, so is the sinner; as the swearer is, so is the one who is afraid to swear” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:2).

(a) It’s important to understand that Solomon was talking about the OUTWARD APPEARANCE of things¹ – that he was talking about death in terms of how it looks to us from down here on earth – how it seems to be, from our finite perspective.

Solomon was NOT talking, for example, about what happens to “the righteous and … the wicked” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:2) AFTER they die – only that death is an experience we all share. Both “the righteous and … the wicked” die – “the good man (and) the sinner” both die –immoral men die, and so do those who live morally pure lives – the man who doesn’t bother to worship God dies, and so does the man who worships Him. From our limited, horizontal view, when it comes to death, “it IS the same for all” – “There IS one fate” for all men in every age and every land – that “one fate” being death (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:2).

(b) So far as outward appearances are concerned, then, God doesn’t seem to be making any distinction between the Christian and non-Christian. As far as the human eye can tell, God doesn’t seem to be favoring one over the other – there doesn’t appear to be any visible advantage, for example, in “fearing God and keeping His commands” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 12:13). As far as man can tell, we all might as well “eat, drink, and be merry” today (c.f. Luke 12:19), because we’re all going to be dead tomorrow.

(c) The larger context of the rest of Scripture, however, tells us that it’s NOT “the same for all (men)” AFTER death – that the “fate (of) the righteous” and the “fate (of) the wicked” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:2) is different!

For example, Jesus once described two very different futures when He said that: 28“… an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear (My) voice, 29and … come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment” (c.f. John 5:28-29). While in another place He said: “(the wicked) will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (c.f. Matthew 25:46) – again, two very different destinies!

(d) Hence, death serves as a kind of watershed – in this regard, that just as rain falling on one side of the continental divide flows east, while that which falls on the other side flows west – so, those who die having trusted Christ as their Savior will go home to be the with the Lord (c.f. II Corinthians 5:8) – while those who die in their sins, not having trusted Him as their Savior, will eventually end up in the “eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels” (c.f. Matthew 25:41) (Jesus’ words, not mine.)

However, none of this is readily apparent to us – at least not from our view here on earth, which is the view Solomon is taking in our text. From the earth’s standpoint, all we can see for sure is that “there is one fate for all men” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:2) – all we can “see” with our physical senses is that everybody dies. What we don’t see is what happens next (c.f. Ecclesiastes 3:21). That’s something we can only “see” (as it were) by using the eyes of faith² (c.f. Hebrews 11:1b) – by reading and believing God’s inspired written word (c.f. II Timothy 3:16-17).

(2) Moving on to verse three, Solomon continues the thought he began in verse two, saying: “This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one fate for all men” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3).

(a) Scripture says God is “good”, and that everything He does is “good” (c.f. Psalm 119:68). It also says He “is light”, and that there is “no darkness (in Him) at all” (c.f. I John 1:5). Elsewhere we’re told His eyes are “too pure to approve evil”, and that He “can not look on (any form of) wickedness with favor” (c.f. Habakkuk 1:13).

So, since these things are true, how should we understand Solomon’s statement in verse three, to the effect that “there is one fate for all men” – and that this is “an evil … under the sun” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3)? God is the One who has sovereignly determined that all men are going to die – albeit not without cause, since all men have sinned against Him (c.f. Romans 5:12; Psalm 51:4). But, the question is, was Solomon suggesting God has done something “evil” by making this determination?

The biblical answer is, “No”! For then we would have to say that the Holy Spirit inspired Solomon to write something that clearly contradicts what Scripture says about God elsewhere – in places like James chapter one, where we’re told that “God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone” (i.e. God does not do anything that’s evil, nor does He ever entice anyone else to do evil) (c.f. James 1:13).

So if Solomon wasn’t suggesting God has done something evil by determining that all men (be they good or bad) are going to share the same “fate” (i.e. death), then what was he saying?

(b) Well, it’s possible Solomon was simply saying that death itself is “evil” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3). God is life (c.f. John 1:4) – which means (among other things) that there is no death in Him – i.e. God cannot die. Hence, one reason death is “evil” is because it’s the antithesis of who God is – the direct opposite of what He is like by nature.

Furthermore, God’s promise of salvation includes the promise of eternal life – i.e. a life where there is no more fear of dying, (in part) because the possibility of death has been removed.

Paul once called death “the last enemy that will be abolished” (c.f. I Corinthians 15:26) – John said that in heaven there will “no longer be any death” (c.f. Revelation 21:4) – while in another place, Scripture says that one day “death … (will be) thrown into the lake of fire” (c.f. Revelation 20:14), thereby underscoring just how “evil” it really is.

(c) But, it’s also possible (and I think more likely) that Solomon was using the word “evil” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3) in our text in the sense of “troublesome”³ or problematic – that he wasn’t commenting on whether or not death itself is “evil”, but on the fact that it’s a troublesome and perplexing thing for men and women of God to consider – namely, that the same fate awaits everyone, regardless of their moral or spiritual character.

For example, the Book of James says Abraham was called “the friend of God” (c.f. James 2:23) – but Scripture also says Abraham died, just like every wicked person living in Sodom and Gomorrah died.

The Book of Acts says David was “a man after (God’s) heart” (c.f. Acts 13:22) – but the Bible also says David died, just as surely as wicked kings like Ahab and Amon died.

The Book of Exodus says God used to “speak to Moses face to face” (c.f. Exodus 34:1), instead of using visions and dreams – and yet, Moses died in the wilderness, just like all the rest of that rebellious generation who came out of Egypt.

Edward Reynolds put it like this: “(it’s) a great temptation (for men) to consider, that (the) just and (the) wise should be exposed to the same miseries (as) fools and (the) ungodly”³ – the “temptation” to which he alluded being, to conclude that it doesn’t make any difference whether a person lives a “righteous” or “wicked” life (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:2) – to conclude that since everybody’s going to die eventually anyway, what difference does it make how we live now? – to come to the conclusion that there’s no advantage is serving God,⁴ no special benefit from trying to follow Christ – indeed, to do so can often be “troublesome” and difficult and perplexing.

The author of Psalm Seventy-Three confessed he thought that way for a time, saying in part: 3“I was envious of the arrogant (when) I saw the prosperity of the wicked … 6pride is their necklace; the garment of violence covers them … 12Behold … the wicked … (are) always at ease, they have increased in wealth. 13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence; 14for I (i.e. I, unlike the wicked) (I, from what I can see) (I, who have tried to fear God and keep His commands) (I) have been stricken all day long and chastened every morning” (c.f. Psalm 73:3, 6, 12-14).

(d) Whenever we’re tempted to think like that, we need to go back to something Solomon said in the previous chapter (chapter eight) – namely, that: “Although a sinner does evil a hundred times and may lengthen his life, still I know that it will be well (with) those who fear God, who fear Him openly” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 8:12). Nor is Solomon alone in this view – for the prophet Isaiah said: 10“Say to the righteous that it will go well with them, for they will eat the fruit of their actions. 11 (But) Woe to the wicked! It will go badly with him, for what he deserves will be done to him” (c.f. Isaiah 3:10-11).

Along these same lines, the Book of Galatians says: 7“Do not be deceived … whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. 8For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9(Therefore) Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. 10So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (c.f. Galatians 6:7-10).

A similar view is found Second Thessalonians chapter three, where Paul says: “as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good” (c.f. II Thessalonians 3:13). Why not? Because in the end, it will be well for those who fear God and keep His commandments (c.f. Ecclesiastes 12:13) – but it will not be well for those who don’t.

(3) Moving on to the second part of verse three, Solomon gives us an inspired glimpse into the true state of the hearts of those who do not make pleasing God and obeying His commands their priority – or, to put it another way, here’s the reason why all men deserve to die – because: “the hearts of the sons of men are full of evil and insanity is in their hearts throughout their lives. Afterwards they go to the dead”” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3). One writer called this “a terrifying, but sadly accurate view of the human condition, apart from spiritual rebirth and conversion to Christ.”⁵

(a) Note first of all, then, that sin is not just a superficial problem, that can be fixed by superficial means – like changing one’s environment, or the application of little psychology, or taking a prescription medicine. On the contrary, sin has penetrated into the innermost depths of our being⁵ – namely, our “hearts” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3).

In the days leading up to the Flood, Scripture says that “every intent of the thoughts of (men’s) heart(s) was only evil continually” (c.f. Genesis 6:5). Nor did things change after the Flood – for immediately after the waters had receded, God said: “the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth” (c.f. Genesis 8:21) – or as Solomon said in chapter seven: “God made men upright, but they have sought out many devices” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 7:29).

Elsewhere, through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord said: “The (human) heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; who can understand it?” (c.f. Jeremiah 17:9) – which means (among other things) that you and I can’t even begin to understand the depths of depravity that lurk in people’s hearts – including our own heart!

When David wrote: “I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me” (c.f. Psalm 51:5), he didn’t mean he was the product of his mother’s immorality. Rather, he was stating a basic theological truth – namely, that we are not born innocent, and only later learn to sin. On the contrary, we are sinners by nature – not just from the moment of birth – but from the moment of conception!⁶ In other words, sin is lodged firmly in our hearts long before we ever draw our first breath! That’s why Scripture says: “The wicked are estranged from the womb; (those) who speak lies go astray from birth” (c.f. Psalm 58:3).

(b) Note secondly that spiritual “insanity” is a life-long problem – that it doesn’t go away eventually – that we never grow out or it, nor do we ever leave it behind. On the contrary, “evil and insanity is in (men’s) hearts throughout their lives” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3).⁵ Hence, shortly before His crucifixion, Jesus told a group of Pharisees: “unless you believe that I am He (i.e. unless you believe I am God’s promised Messiah and your only Savior), you will die in your sins” (c.f. John 8:24) – thereby indicating (among other things) that men and women are sinners right up to the day of their death.

Even we Christians are sinners right up to the day of our deaths. Why else would we be told to confess our sins (c.f. I John 1:8-10) – and to be about the business of taking off the old man and putting on the new (c.f. Ephesians 4:22-24)? The difference is, our sins have been covered by the blood of Christ!

As for the “insanity” (or, “madness” – NKJV/NIV) (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3) of which Solomon speaks, Charles Bridges wrote: “It is impossible for the sinner to be more dangerously mad than he is, except by growing into greater wickedness. What worse madness is human nature capable of (than) fleeing from God – from mercy – from heaven – (to serve) the devil – (to live) under the curse of God, and on the brink of damnation.”⁷

Sobering words to be sure – but true nevertheless. Surely it is madness not to “flee from the wrath to come” (c.f. Matthew 3:7) by fleeing to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith!

(c) Finally, we see that the “insane pursuit of evil” is not a part-time activity – it is not a hobby – not something people do in their spare time. On the contrary, fallen men and women pursue it with the utmost energy and devotion.⁵ Hence, verse three says: “the hearts of the sons of men are FULL of evil and insanity” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3) – or, as the passage from the Book of Genesis we quoted moments ago says: “EVERY intent of the thoughts of (their) heart(s) (is) only evil CONTINUALLY” (c.f. Genesis 6:5).

Furthermore, the end of this “insane pursuit” is death.⁸ Hence, the last part of verse three says: “Afterwards they go to the dead” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3). Meanwhile, the rest of Scripture tells us this is death is not just physical – it’s also spiritual, and eternal. As the Book of Revelation says: “their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (c.f. Revelation 21:8). Moreover, this “second death” is a living death, because people will be alive – but eternally separated from the grace and mercy and love and compassion of God.

(d) So, while there is “one fate for all men” (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:3) because all die physically, there is a different “fate” (if you will) for “the righteous and for the wicked” AFTER they die (c.f. Ecclesiastes 9:2). Solomon doesn’t address that difference here in Ecclesiastes chapter nine, but the rest of Scripture does. Jesus summed it up best when He said: 25“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies (i.e. physically), 26and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die (i.e. eternally)” – and then He asked: “Do you believe this?” (c.f. John 11:25-26).

Do you? I that hope you do – because your eternal “fate” depends on your answer – just as my eternal “fate” depends on mine!

1 Reynolds: A Commentary on the Book of Ecclesiastes; p. 185.

2 IBID; p. 186.

3 IBID; p. 187.

4 Bridges: Exposition of Ecclesiastes; p. 214.

5 Keddie: The Guide – Ecclesiastes; p. 241.

6 The New Geneva Study Bible: Footnote on Psalm 51:5; p. 808.

7 Bridges: Ibid; pages 215-216.

8 Reynolds: Ibid; p. 188.