For the living know that they will die,
but the dead know nothing;
they have no further reward,
and even their name is forgotten.
(Ecclesiastes 9:5)
the living know that they will die - the dead do not know that they will die.
the dead have no further reward - do the living?
the name of the dead is forgotten - what about the name of the living?
God remembers the name of everyone whose name is written in the Lamb's book of life. He knows His sheep by name. these are the living, as He defines life: He defines eternal life as knowledge of Him ((John 17:3)). to the goats on the left, He says, He never knew them. are these not the dead as He defines life?
Samuel - does he have no further reward?
Samuel - is his name forgotten?
so is Samuel 'dead' by God's definition?
i know that human definition of death is only that of the flesh. when i read what Christ says, i do not think His definition of life and death is the same as the human definition.