Day of Death Better Than Birth (Eccl 7:1) Exposition: Why this odd connection? The Jews rubbed aromatic oil or ointment on children at birth (e.g. Ez 16:9). But it didn't have as sweet a savor as a good name left behind (Pr 10:7).
Doctrine: The day of a godly man's death is better than the day of his birth. A strange paradox. But it's better because:
1. A godly man on the day of his death receives a better and more blessed life than on the day of his birth. Scripture often calls death of the godly "sleep" (e.g. Acts 7:60, 1Cor 15:18). Jesus says that one who believes in him shall not die (Jn 6:49-51, cf. Ps 17:15). Although a godly man receives spiritual life at conversion, on day of his death, he receives life of glory.
2. ... enters a better world "Pleasures forevermore" (Ps 16). Now: valley of tears. Then: Mt Zion (Is 35:10, Rev 21:4). Better inhabitants. Goes from world under a curse to one of "no curse."
3. ... sees a more pleasant and glorious light Rev 21:23, 22:5
4. ... is received by a better parent Leaves parents in tears, but is received into arms of heavenly Father.
5. ... receives a better inheritance 1Pe 1:4, see Acts 7:56
Application 1. Should moderate grief of those who have lost dear godly friends If they get home a little before you, should you break your heart with grief?
2. People need to get into state where day of their death may be better than birth. Ps 89:48, see Eccl 3:2, Heb 2:15, Is 32:17
3. How vastly different from this is the day of the death of a wicked man. Eccl 5:17, "All his days also he eats in darkness, and he has much sorrow and wrath with his sickness."
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“ Great Sermon! ” Edwards does it again. God really blessed us in giving the Church such a great preacher/teacher in Edwards. I find Edwards agruments very helpful when I talk to Christans and non Christians alike.Get into Edwards it will really bless you !
Carol R (5/12/2008)
from Bible Belt
“ Great Sermon! ” Just listened to this short sermon by Jonathan Edwards, and it was so practical and uplifting! I enjoy the sermons that edify, or convict of sin, and give us deeper understanding of God's word. Jonathan Edwards is as relevant today as when he lived on the earth, because he preached God's word so powerfully. Please have more and more sermons by this wonderful giant of preachers!
JONATHAN EDWARDS was born on October 5, 1703, in East Windsor, Connecticut, into a Puritan evangelical household. His childhood education as well as his undergraduate years (1716-1720) and graduate studies (1721-1722) at Yale College immersed him not only in the most current...
