How does Ecclesiastes 7:20 highlight the universal need for Christ's redemption? Setting the Verse in Context Ecclesiastes is Solomon’s candid journal about life “under the sun.” He exposes every illusion and lands on one stubborn fact: human life is tainted by sin and therefore cannot find lasting meaning apart from God. What Ecclesiastes 7:20 Says “Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” The Universal Condition Described • “No righteous man on earth” – not a single exception • “Who does good and never sins” – the standard is flawless obedience, not “mostly good” • The verdict is total and sweeping; all humanity stands guilty Supporting Scriptures: • Romans 3:10-12 – “There is no one righteous, not even one…” • Psalm 14:3 – “All have turned away… there is no one who does good, not even one.” • 1 John 1:8 – “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves…” How This Points to Our Need for Redemption 1. Sin ruins fellowship with a holy God (Isaiah 59:2). 2. God’s justice demands penalty (Romans 6:23). 3. Self-effort cannot erase guilt—perfection is the requirement (James 2:10). 4. Therefore, rescue must come from outside ourselves. Christ: The Answer Ecclesiastes Anticipates • Isaiah 53:6 – “The LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” • Romans 5:8-9 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us… we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” • 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Key truths: - Jesus alone lived the sinless life Ecclesiastes says no earthly man achieves. - At the cross He took the penalty our universal sin demands. - By faith we receive His righteousness, meeting God’s flawless standard. Responding in Faith • Admit personal need—Ecclesiastes 7:20 speaks of me. • Trust Christ’s finished work as the only cure for sin’s guilt. • Walk gratefully in newness of life, knowing His righteousness now defines me, not my former failures. |
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