A Downward Path Can Become Upward

O. T. #1537  "A Downward Path Can Become Upward"
Oct. 4, 2019
Ecclesiastes 7
For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. (verse 20)

LET IT GLOW


In verses 23-29, Solomon explains the limits of human wisdom, according to the New Living Translation:

• He tried his best to let wisdom guide his thoughts and actions, determined to be wise, but it didn't work.
• Wisdom is always distant and difficult to find.
• He searched for the understanding of the reason for things.
• He found that God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path. (verse 29) The KJV uses the word upright, instead of virtuous, which means right towards God.

Adam was created upright, but then he sinned, turning to his own way. His disobedience separated Adam from his God. However, God provided the blood sacrifice of the animal whose skin was used to cover Adam and Eve's sins.


LET IT GROW

Look at our key verse. Solomon's conclusion here is accurate. We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. If we say we have not sinned, then we deceive ourselves. Jesus has provided the blood sacrifice required for us to be upright, right towards God. We can't do it on our own, since we have a sin nature.
Now that is something we can rejoice about! Thank You, Jesus!
Without Him, we spiral down a downward path, into the pit of sin. With Jesus, we follow on an upward path. So let us get up again after we fall down in sin. We only have one life.

LET IT GO

Jesus, You alone are Righteous.
Forgive us of our sins today.