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Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End Paperback – July 31, 2017

4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,147 ratings

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What if it is death that teaches us how to truly live?

Keeping the end in mind shapes how we live our lives in the here and now. Living life backward means taking the one thing in our future that is certain―death―and letting that inform our journey before we get there.

Looking to the book of Ecclesiastes for wisdom, Living Life Backward was written to shake up our expectations and priorities for what it means to live “the good life.” Considering the reality of death helps us pay attention to our limitations as human beings and receive life as a wondrous gift from God―freeing us to live wisely, generously, and faithfully for God’s glory and the good of his world.

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From the Publisher

More Books By David Gibson

David Gibson (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is minister of Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland. He is a coeditor of From Heaven He Came and Sought Her and the author of Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End and Radically Whole: Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart. He is married to Angela, and they have four children.

Living Life Backward From Heaven He Came and Sought Her Radically Whole The Lord of Psalm 23
Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End From Heaven He Came and Sought Her Radically Whole: Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars
1,147
4.7 out of 5 stars
147
4.7 out of 5 stars
66
4.8 out of 5 stars
166
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“The past two decades have witnessed quite a number of popular expositions of Ecclesiastes―and this one by David Gibson is the best of them. It follows the line of the book in a believable and compelling way. Its applications and reflections are cogent and telling, and the writing is characterized by grace and verve. Moreover, the questions found at the end of each chapter make this volume suitable for small-group Bible studies. Highly recommended.”
D. A. Carson, Theologian-at-Large, The Gospel Coalition

“David Gibson’s expositions of Ecclesiastes are like Ecclesiastes itself: sometimes shocking, often tantalizing, always refreshing. He deftly combines serious stuff with a light touch, clear style, and gospel relief. You will repeatedly run into ‘think-stoppers’; he will make new grooves in your grey matter that weren’t there before, and you will often admit, ‘I wish I’d have thought to put it like that!’ I think the writer of Ecclesiastes would be pleased with David’s work.”
Dale Ralph Davis, former pastor; Former Professor of Old Testament, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson

“If Ecclesiastes is a book for our times, then Living Life Backward is the book to unpack it. Beginning with the paradigm shift that embracing death is essential for life, I was intrigued from the start. Utterly counter to a modern worldview, the truths of Ecclesiastes are woven with ease into a narrative that rightly makes sense of why we are alive. Bold and beautiful in style, Living Life Backward promises to jolt the mind and shake us out of our complacencies. I couldn’t put it down!”
Fiona McDonald, Director of National Ministries, Scottish Bible Society

“Every reader of David Gibson’s steady and reverent progress through the book will reap reward, along with wonderfully enhanced understanding and rich insight into divine truth. Those who have benefited from David’s work in the foundational book From Heaven He Came and Sought Her will rush to enjoy the same values here of profound scholarship and covetable clarity of presentation.”
Alec Motyer, author; Bible expositor

“Only when you’re ready to die are you prepared to live. Sheer lunacy, isn’t it? Or is it actually the sanest thing you’ll ever hear? Engaging contemporary culture, David Gibson retells Ecclesiastes in all of its jarring dissonance with whatever we consider reasonable and normal. As it turns out, the wisdom of the world is silly and its will to power is impotent. I needed to read this―and so do you.”
Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California

About the Author

David Gibson (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is minister of Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland. He is a coeditor of From Heaven He Came and Sought Her, and his publications include Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End; Radically Whole; and The Lord of Psalm 23: Jesus Our Shepherd, Companion, and Host. He is married to Angela, and they have four children.

Minister, Trinity Church, Aberdeen, Scotland; author, Living Life Backward; coeditor, From Heaven He Came and Sought Her

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Crossway (July 31, 2017)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1433556278
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1433556272
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 7.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 1,147 ratings

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David Gibson
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David Gibson (Ph.D, University of Aberdeen) is the Minister of Trinity Church in Aberdeen, Scotland. He has published a number of articles and books: "The LORD of Psalm 23: Jesus our Shepherd, Companion, and Host", "Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End", "Radically Whole: Gospel Healing for the Divided Heart". Along with his brother Jonathan he is co-editor of 'The Doctrines of Grace' project which currently includes "From Heaven He Came and Sought Her: Definite Atonement in Biblical, Historical, Theological and Pastoral Perspective", and "Ruined Sinners to Reclaim: Sin and Depravity in Historical, Biblical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspective."

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4.8 out of 5 stars
1,147 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book thought-provoking and insightful. They find it well-written for different levels of understanding, with good illustrations to convey the message. The pastoral style is described as direct and refreshing, providing a clear guide through the book. Overall, customers consider it a valuable resource for teaching and reproof.

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98 customers mention "Thought provoking"98 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and thought-provoking. They say it puts life into perspective and provides a great read. The style is direct and refreshing in today's age of motivational speeches. Readers appreciate the questions for discussion or personal reflection at the end of each chapter.

"I was referred this book by my minister. It is short and to the point. You will enjoy how it takes Ecclesiastes apart one chapter at a time...." Read more

"...I found myself both encouraged and convicted. God wisdom is true and steadfast, and where wisdom reaches the end of the line, we trust in His love." Read more

"A little book that opens up depth and meaning of Ecclesiastes in plain English. Loved it!" Read more

"This is a very helpful commentary on Ecclesiastes geared to challenge and teach normal believers through the timeless wisdom of the Preacher...." Read more

33 customers mention "Ease of understanding"33 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to understand. The author guides readers through the themes of Ecclesiastes and applies them to various situations. They appreciate the simple yet beautiful concept and how it makes you think. Overall, customers find the book thought-provoking and challenging.

"...The themes of the Bible Book are easily identified and much easier to understand than a cold reading of this book...." Read more

"Truly enjoyed this book. The author presents some new and different (to me, at least) takes on the meaning of Ecclesiastes." Read more

"...Great writing style, excellent teacher...." Read more

"The author does an excellent job bringing clarity to a difficult book of the Bible. I have, and will continue to, recommended this book to others." Read more

8 customers mention "Visual style"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's visual style. They find the pastoral style direct and refreshing. The illustrations help convey the point clearly. Readers mention the book provides a fresh perspective on Ecclesiastes and helps them visualize themselves in their own caskets.

"...begins and returns over and over to “the end”, namely visualizing yourself in your own casket and returning daily to that reality allows you to live...." Read more

"...His pastoral style is direct --- and refreshing in this day and age of pablum and motivational speeches --- causing some course corrections for me..." Read more

"...Easily one of my favorite books. The concept is simple and beautiful, live with an eternal perspective...." Read more

"...It has good illustrations to get the point across. Well written for all levels of understanding." Read more

4 customers mention "Value for money"4 positive0 negative

Customers find the book valuable for teaching, reproof, and correction.

"...this book to me and i hold it in my top 3 books for meaning and value. Its a book on living life with wisdom...." Read more

"...Gibson reveals the beauty in contemplating our end and the sweet value of using every day to live, serve, and relish the miracle of life...." Read more

"This book has tremendous value because it leads us to look at the end of our lives in order to enjoy to the fullest, the day that we have right now." Read more

"This book is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness”. I recommend this book for all ages." Read more

Life Changing
5 out of 5 stars
Life Changing
When grasping the idea of death in light of scripture, one can truly begin to live. That’s the premise of this book. Nothing less than life changing.I thought it was going to be depressing and morbid, but it is life giving.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2024
    I was referred this book by my minister. It is short and to the point. You will enjoy how it takes Ecclesiastes apart one chapter at a time. The themes of the Bible Book are easily identified and much easier to understand than a cold reading of this book. Understanding the wisdom of this book leads the reader to seeking and noticing anew those things God puts before us every day in every way. Much like the teachings inside the topics of Fruit of the Spirit, this is a lovely book that seeks to bring us closer to God. The big difference is how this text reminds us or makes us aware that the world has a lot more to it than meets the initial eye.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 20, 2024
    This book really opened my eyes to the rich truths of Ecclesiastes. I found myself both encouraged and convicted. God wisdom is true and steadfast, and where wisdom reaches the end of the line, we trust in His love.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024
    A little book that opens up depth and meaning of Ecclesiastes in plain English. Loved it!
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024
    So, this is my first bible interpretation book.

    Very well written, great flow and modernized enough.

    However I'm just not a bible sort of person.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024
    This is a very helpful commentary on Ecclesiastes geared to challenge and teach normal believers through the timeless wisdom of the Preacher. Loads of good applications and many great questions for personal reflection and group discussion are found in this book. Highly recommended!!
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
    Truly enjoyed this book. The author presents some new and different (to me, at least) takes on the meaning of Ecclesiastes.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2024
    This book begins and returns over and over to “the end”, namely visualizing yourself in your own casket and returning daily to that reality allows you to live. It allows you to be thankful, rightly enjoy pleasures that are God’s gifts, and be satisfied within your own human limitations. This books has been very instructive, anf it’s also been helpful to have a voice outside of America as a tutor.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2024
    A friend recommended this book to me and i hold it in my top 3 books for meaning and value. Its a book on living life with wisdom. Great read giving anyone alot to think about!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Shona
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great resource to study Ecclesiastes!
    Reviewed in Canada on November 27, 2023
    Thought provoking, challenging and an instrument to draw us closer to God. Would highly recommend to anyone! Helped me in immense ways to better understand a tough book of the Bible, with God's help of course.
  • Jeremy R.F. Eves
    5.0 out of 5 stars Vital, Important, Timely
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 9, 2020
    "How should we then live?" is one of life's most important questions. What difference does our believing (or not believing) make to our living? Ecclesiastes might not be the first book of the Bible where we might seek the answer. At first reading it appears a gloomy, melancholic meditation on life. But how wrong that is.

    David Gibson's wonderful, clear exposition is really helpful in revealing the depth and scope of 'the preacher's' wisdom. Life in God's world is gift not gain. When we realise that we cannot control our lives, either in length or significance, then we are freed to acknowledge God's gift of life and enjoy it with thankfulness. This is life lived under grace.

    Although published in 2017, this book could not be more relevant for the pandemic world of 2020. Western society does not discuss the meaning of death, even now, because secularism and atheism offers no hope. But the preacher, the questor after truth, in Ecclesiastes has much to say to a world forced to face its own imminent mortality.

    This book seems expensive for a relatively slim volume. It's price may even restrict its readership which would be a shame. But I would still encourage you to buy it, read it and reflect on it. It's value is almost priceless!
  • Timothy
    3.0 out of 5 stars Why are parts of ECC not discussed?
    Reviewed in Australia on July 25, 2024
    Why aren't certain parts of the book covered in his book, "Living Life Backwards"?
    Most of Ch 5 is missing, all of 6, all of 8 and all of 10...
    is there a reason for this?
  • Paul Sadler
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ecclesiastes finally ministers to me
    Reviewed in Canada on March 29, 2022
    I have read Ecclesiastes many times, and I've heard many sermons on it, but this book finally helped me understand the message of the book. It doesn’t read like a commentary at all, though. It delivers the message of Ecclesiastes so clearly and persuasively that you forget that the book is at its heart an exposition of the Bible. Many of Gibson's phrases will live me (e.g. life is gift not gain) and help me to remember the truths of Ecclesiastes. I want more books like this one!
  • J. M. Rieger
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Book You Will Read on Ecclesiastes
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 29, 2021
    Having read several other books and commentaries on Ecclesiastes, I can say that David has written the best book on Ecclesiastes you will find.

    This book is helpful as a commentary, if you are working through the book. However, you will also find that it is an excellent book for personal devotions or personal study of the Ecclesiastes. It is well written and will open up this often avoided book of the Bible in a way that will give you a new love for it.