In college, I was helped in reading a
paper on Ecclesiastes written by one of my professors, Dr. Caneday. His conclusion:
What Paul asserts in a few words in Rom 8:19-21, Qoheleth investigates at length. Where Paul spoke generally, the Preacher descended to uncover the particulars. Though Paul had the privilege of knowing that Christ will restore all things and even now, in principle, had begun to do so (cf. 1 Cor 15:54-57), both he and Qoheleth share one biblical assessment of the character of this world and of life in it since the fall. It is cursed! It is disjointed! It is upside down! It is in bondage to decay! It is meaningless! It needs to be liberated!
What Qoheleth saw obscurely in the coming day of final retribution, the apostle Paul makes clear: 'creation itself will be liberated from the bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God' (Rom 8:21). It is for the final redemption of God's people that creation awaits, for then will it be set free from what is now twisted and lacking (Qoh 1:15).
Many good nuggets of truth wait for you if you are able to spend some time reading
Dr. Caneday's article.
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