The question of the purpose of life is one that has intrigued humanity for millennia. From ancient philosophers to modern thinkers, the quest to understand why we exist and what our ultimate purpose is has been a central theme. For those who turn to the Bible for answers, this profound question finds its resolution in the timeless wisdom of Scripture.
According to the Bible, the purpose of life is multifaceted, encompassing our relationship with God, our relationships with others, and our role in the world. The Bible provides a coherent and comprehensive framework that helps us understand our purpose from creation to eternity.
Created for Relationship with God
The Bible begins with the creation narrative in Genesis, where we see that human beings were created by God and in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). This foundational truth establishes that our primary purpose is relational. We are designed to be in a loving relationship with our Creator. In Genesis 2:7, we read that God breathed life into Adam, making him a living being. This intimate act of creation signifies that life itself is a gift from God, meant to be lived in communion with Him.
The Westminster Shorter Catechism, a well-respected summary of Christian doctrine, succinctly captures this idea with its opening question and answer: "What is the chief end of man? Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever." This statement is deeply rooted in biblical teaching. In Isaiah 43:7, God says, "everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made." Our lives are meant to reflect God's glory, and we find our deepest fulfillment in knowing and worshiping Him.
Living in Obedience and Holiness
Another aspect of our purpose is to live in obedience to God's commands. The Bible is replete with instructions on how to live a life that is pleasing to God. In the Old Testament, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) provide a moral framework for living. Jesus summarized the Law and the Prophets with two great commandments: to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40).
Holiness is another key component of our purpose. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, we are called to be holy because God is holy. Holiness involves being set apart for God's purposes and living in a way that reflects His character. This pursuit of holiness is not about adhering to a list of rules but about cultivating a heart that seeks to honor God in all things.
Reflecting God's Image through Relationships
Our purpose also involves our relationships with others. Since we are made in the image of a relational God, we are called to reflect His love and grace in our interactions. The Bible places a strong emphasis on community and the importance of loving one another. Jesus taught His disciples that the hallmark of their identity would be their love for one another (John 13:34-35).
The Apostle Paul expands on this idea in his letters. In Romans 12:10, he exhorts believers to "be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." In Ephesians 4:32, he encourages us to "be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." These passages highlight that our purpose includes building and nurturing relationships that reflect God's love and forgiveness.
Fulfilling the Great Commission
Another significant aspect of our purpose is to participate in God's redemptive mission in the world. Before His ascension, Jesus gave His disciples the Great Commission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:19-20). This mandate extends to all believers, calling us to share the gospel and make disciples.
The Apostle Paul saw his life’s purpose as being a minister of the gospel. In Philippians 1:21, he declares, "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." Paul's life was centered around knowing Christ and making Him known. This mission-oriented purpose is not limited to apostles or church leaders but is a calling for every Christian. We are all ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).
Embracing Suffering and Trials
The Bible also teaches that part of our purpose involves enduring suffering and trials with faith. While this may seem counterintuitive, Scripture reveals that suffering can serve a redemptive purpose in our lives. In James 1:2-4, we are encouraged to "consider it pure joy... whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."
The Apostle Peter echoes this sentiment in 1 Peter 4:12-13, urging believers not to be surprised by the "fiery ordeal" they are experiencing but to rejoice because they are participating in the sufferings of Christ. Suffering, when approached with faith, can deepen our reliance on God and conform us more closely to the image of Christ.
Anticipating Eternal Life
Finally, our purpose is ultimately oriented towards eternity. The Bible teaches that this life is not all there is. In John 14:2-3, Jesus promises His disciples that He is preparing a place for them in His Father's house and that He will return to take them to be with Him. The hope of eternal life gives meaning and perspective to our earthly existence.
The Apostle Paul captures this eternal perspective in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, where he writes, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
Conclusion
In summary, the Bible provides a rich and multifaceted answer to the question of life's purpose. We are created to be in a loving relationship with God, to live in obedience and holiness, to reflect God's image through our relationships, to participate in His redemptive mission, to endure suffering with faith, and to anticipate eternal life. This comprehensive understanding of purpose gives our lives meaning and direction, grounding us in the eternal truths of God's Word. As we seek to live out this purpose, we find fulfillment and joy in the knowledge that we are part of God's grand narrative, created for His glory and destined for eternity with Him.
