Topical Bible: Man: Ignorant of What is to Come After Him

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The concept of man's ignorance regarding the future is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing the limitations of human understanding and the sovereignty of God over time and events. This theme underscores the need for faith and trust in God's providence, as humans are inherently unable to foresee or control future occurrences.

Biblical References:

1. Ecclesiastes 3:22 : "So I saw that there is nothing better for a man than to enjoy his work, because that is his lot. For who can bring him to see what will happen after him?" This verse highlights the futility of human efforts to discern the future. It suggests that man should focus on the present and find contentment in his labor, as the future remains hidden from him.

2. Ecclesiastes 8:7 : "Since no one knows what will happen, who can tell him what is to come?" Here, the Preacher acknowledges the unpredictability of future events, reinforcing the idea that human wisdom is limited and cannot penetrate the mysteries of what lies ahead.

3. James 4:14 : "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This New Testament passage echoes the sentiments of Ecclesiastes, reminding believers of the transient nature of life and the uncertainty of the future. It calls for humility and reliance on God's will.

4. Proverbs 27:1 : "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." This proverb warns against presumption and overconfidence in one's plans, as the future is ultimately in God's hands.

Theological Implications:

The Bible's teaching on man's ignorance of the future serves to highlight the distinction between the Creator and His creation. While God is omniscient and eternal, humans are finite and limited in their understanding. This distinction calls for a posture of humility and dependence on God, who alone knows the end from the beginning (Isaiah 46:10).

Practical Applications:

1. Trust in God's Sovereignty: Believers are encouraged to trust in God's perfect plan and timing, even when the future is uncertain. This trust is rooted in the assurance that God works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).

2. Live in the Present: The Bible advises focusing on the present and making the most of each day, as seen in the exhortation to "number our days" (Psalm 90:12). This perspective fosters gratitude and mindfulness in daily life.

3. Seek Divine Wisdom: While human understanding is limited, believers are encouraged to seek wisdom from God, who gives generously to those who ask (James 1:5). This wisdom helps navigate life's uncertainties with discernment and faith.

4. Avoid Anxiety: Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:34 , "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." This instruction encourages believers to cast their anxieties on God, who cares for them (1 Peter 5:7).

In summary, the Bible consistently teaches that man is ignorant of what is to come after him, urging a life of faith, humility, and reliance on God's omniscience and benevolence.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ecclesiastes 10:14
A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

If Paul had Known any Mysteries Unrevealed to the Other Apostles ...
... received kindness there, Paul healing the chief man of that ... otherwise, and that he
was not ignorant of the ... after my departure shall grievous wolves come to you ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xiv if paul had known.htm

John i. 1
... But not so the words of him who was ignorant and unlettered ... that word which says,
"If I had not come and spoken ... If any man hath thorns, let him cast the fire of ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily ii john i 1.htm

When Christ visited us in his Grace, He did not Come to what did ...
... 4458] For blood can only come from veins ... which surrounds God as He is, nor be ignorant
of our ... may know what God can effect, and what benefits man receives, and ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter ii when christ visited us.htm

Relation of the Baptist to Elijah. The Theory of Transmigration
... were ignorant; and, in regard to this, being ignorant of him ... also be the coming of
the Son of man; for as ... no God knowing all things before they come into being. ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of matthew/1 relation of the baptist.htm

Marcion's Cavils Considered. His Objection Refuted, IE , Man's ...
... and prescient, so as not to be ignorant of what ... its occurrence, that issue would
never have come about, which ... I find, then, that man was by God constituted free ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter v marcions cavils considered his.htm

How the Valentinians Pervert the Scriptures to Support their Own ...
... thus exhibiting the jewels, should deceive the ignorant who had ... things." [2764] And
this, "The animal man receiveth not ... for Him till He should come again, and ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter viii how the valentinians pervert.htm

What the Scriptures Principally Teach: the Ruin and Recovery of ...
... and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him ... You who are ignorant of the
gospel and hear nothing but a ... Can a man hold the wind in the hollow of his ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture vi what the scriptures.htm

V. ...
... of this one thing, beloved, be ye not ignorant; that one ... and knows nothing; but when
the first man rises up ... were born of him and have come after him, of whom ...
/.../chapter iii v 2.htm

Refutation of the Jews
... thus that He was just an ordinary man, and shows ... lamb brought to be offered was yet
ignorant of it ... They plotted evil against Me, saying, 'Come, let us cast wood ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 6 refutation of the.htm

A Young Man's Best Counsellor
... If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood ... man may take in knowledge till
he is ignorant, and that ... Him as united to men in the divine man, Christ Jesus ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a young mans best counsellor.htm