Real Life in a Fallen World

Tom Ascol has written the rare kind of book that treats both Scripture and reality with the seriousness they deserve. Real Life in a Fallen World doesn’t paper over life’s vanity with clichés or sentimentality. It’s steady, unpretentious, and thoroughly biblical, a pastor’s guide to living with wisdom when everything under the sun feels fleeting. Ascol reminds us that the only way to endure the absurdities of this fallen world is to walk in the fear of God and to find meaning in Christ, who alone redeems the vapor of our days.

Life in a fallen world is hard. Life is short—vaporous as Qoheleth says repeatedly throughout Ecclesiastes. However, life is also a wonderful gift from God that is to be enjoyed and stewarded wisely to the glory of the King. In Real Life in a Fallen World, Ascol skillfully shows readers how Ecclesiastes gives voice to our varied experiences this side of eternity. As he does this, he keeps the reader looking upward—past his present circumstances to the God over his circumstances. This book isn’t a dry commentary, rather it is immensely practical and pastoral—as any book on Ecclesiastes should be. If you want to understand the book of Ecclesiastes better, this is a great devotional companion.

With refreshing honesty and realness, the book of Ecclesiastes meets us where we are, in the midst of the mess and confusion of a broken world. With divine wisdom, it doesn’t leave us there. Tom Ascol has done a great service in writing this guided tour through this under appreciated and often misunderstood book. I trust it will help everyone, from pastors and Bible teachers to non-Christians trying to make sense of life. I can’t wait to share this book with many friends!

The book of Ecclesiastes stands alone in the canon of Scripture because of its unique genre. As a comprehensive philosophy of life, Ecclesiastes sketches a distinctly covenantal and God-centered worldview that provides a compass for New Testament believers as much as it did for Old Testament believers. With pastoral sensitivity and exegetical skill, my good friend Tom Ascol walks the reader through the implications of this often-misunderstood book on such subjects as our submission to the sovereignty of God, living life in light of eternity, and walking with wisdom in the daily realities of work, marriage, childrearing, joy, sorrow, injustice, bewilderment, pain, and pleasure. Grounding all of life in the sovereignty of God, Solomon shows us how to receive the gifts of God with gratitude, to live in light of the coming judgment, and to focus on eternity instead of seeking to build our Paradise here. Above all, Dr. Ascol points us to the Lord Jesus Christ, the One who offers us eternal satisfaction that far exceeds the temporary joys and common mercies of our fleeting lives.

What is the purpose of life? This profound question lies at the heart of the book of Ecclesiastes, where the Preacher wrestles with the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits. Guided by Tom Ascol, readers are invited to journey through Ecclesiastes and discover the deep joy and lasting contentment found in living consciously before the face of God in Christ. Ascol skillfully brings biblical wisdom to our modern experience, showing how the Preacher’s words speak powerfully into the present moment. He reminds us that in Jesus Christ, life is meaningful, hopeful, and rich with purpose. Read this book alongside Ecclesiastes, and you’ll encounter a message that doesn’t ignore the corruption of our world but instead offers a way to enjoy life within it. The Preacher’s aim is to point the reader to the joy and hope that is found in living according to the purpose for which we were created: To fear God and keep His commandments.

Real Life in a Fallen World is a balm for the weary soul. With accurate exegesis, relevant examples, and thoroughgoing application, Dr. Ascol unfolds this important book of wisdom in a manner that encourages, convicts, and is sure to build up men and women of God to live well in our sin-cursed world. I thoroughly recommend this volume not only to anyone looking to better understand this enigmatic book attributed to Solomon but also to all those seeking firm support in changing times and season in life. Pick up and read.