What is the purpose of human life according to Bernard? Definition and Scope “Bernard” is here understood to be a person seeking a concise yet profound answer to life’s greatest question: “What is the purpose of human life?” This topic explores the reasons behind humanity’s existence, the responsibilities people bear as image-bearers of the Creator, and the ultimate fulfillment found in aligning with God’s design. Incorporating scriptural references (quoted from the Berean Standard Bible) and various supporting points from historical, archaeological, and scientific fragments, this entry presents a comprehensive understanding of humanity’s divine purpose. 1. Created in the Image of God Humanity’s distinctive role emerges from being made in the image and likeness of God: Genesis 1:27 states, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” This image-bearing status underscores the unique relationship between humans and the Creator. Rather than existing as a cosmic accident, people share certain communicable attributes of God, such as rationality, morality, creativity, and the ability to form loving relationships. Implication for Purpose Because people are fashioned after God’s own likeness, their inherent purpose includes reflecting His character and glory in the world. This reflection occurs through moral behavior, love for others, creativity in various fields, and the pursuit of truth. Ancient theologians and more recent scholars alike have pointed to this concept as the foundation of human dignity and worth. 2. The Call to Glorify God Scripture continually affirms that the glory of God is central to human life. Isaiah 43:7: “Everyone called by My name and created for My glory—whom I have indeed formed and made.” This verse indicates that God crafted human beings to bring Him glory—that is, to acknowledge His supreme worth, proclaim His praise, and align life choices with His directives. Key Ways of Glorifying God • Worship and Devotion: Regular prayer, worship services, and reading Scripture. • Obedience to His Commands: Reflecting holiness, compassion, and justice in daily life. • Stewardship of Creation: Caring for the environment and using resources responsibly (Genesis 2:15). • Proclaiming the Good News: Sharing the message of hope and salvation found in Christ (Matthew 28:19–20). 3. Finding Fulfillment in Relationship with God From a biblical perspective, humans are not designed to live in isolation from their Creator. The harmony originally enjoyed by Adam and Eve in Eden (Genesis 2) was ruptured by sin (Genesis 3), leading to alienation and spiritual death. Scripture reveals that true fulfillment—indeed one’s ultimate purpose—can only be realized in ongoing communion with God. John 17:3 states, “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” This expression of eternal life underscores relationship rather than mere existence. To know God personally transforms the human condition from aimless searching to meaningful purpose. 4. Redemption and the Centrality of Christ Beyond mere creation, the Bible reveals that redemption is integral to humanity’s purpose. Though God's image in humans is tainted by sin, Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection secure restoration for believers. 1 Peter 2:9 explains, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” This statement affirms that Christ’s atoning work not only redeems individuals but also enlists them to declare the excellencies of God. Salvation is more than deliverance from sin’s penalty; it’s an invitation to participate in God’s mission. Historical and Manuscript Support The early Christian creeds and numerous manuscript discoveries—for example, the Rylands P52 fragment, the Bodmer Papyri, and the Dead Sea Scrolls—substantiate the authenticity of the New Testament’s core claims about Christ. These texts corroborate that Christ’s life, death, and resurrection stood at the heart of the earliest Christian witness. 5. Practical Expression of Purpose The purpose of life cannot stand as an abstract truth; it must manifest in action: Ephesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” Examples in Practice • Loving Others: Exemplifying John 13:34–35, believers are directed to love one another as Christ loved them. • Moral Integrity: Upholding honesty, justice, and purity in one’s personal and professional life (Philippians 4:8). • Evangelistic Outreach: Sharing with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15) the saving truth of Christ’s resurrection. • Service and Philanthropy: Reflecting God’s heart in actions that bless communities, such as feeding the hungry or advocating for the oppressed. 6. Eternal Perspective Ecclesiastes 12:13 sums up the biblical stance on purpose: “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.” The emphasis on reverential awe and faithful obedience underscores an eternal perspective. Human life is not limited to temporal pursuits of pleasure or achievement; rather, each life points toward an everlasting reality. Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1–8) serves as an ultimate assurance that believers are made for eternity with Him. Archaeological and Geologic Considerations While “purpose” is primarily theological, discoveries such as the Merneptah Stele (corroborating an early existence of Israel) and findings like rapid geological transformations observed at Mount St. Helens have been interpreted as supportive evidences for a younger Earth. These discoveries can bolster confidence in the biblical narrative, illustrating that believers’ faith rests in consistent historical realities. 7. Moral Responsibility and Accountability Scripture teaches that each person will give an account before the Lord (Romans 14:12). Acts 17:31 confirms that God “has set a day on which He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed.” This reality heightens the importance of living out one’s purpose in a way that honors God and serves others. Implications for Everyday Life • Vigilant Self-Examination: Regular prayer and reflection (Psalm 139:23–24). • Active Participation in Community: Engaging in a local congregation or fellowship. • Alignment with Scriptural Principles: Upholding biblical standards in moral decisions. 8. Conclusion: Embracing One’s Divine Calling According to the compilation of biblical teaching, the purpose of human life—understood through Bernard’s question—centers on glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. This purpose unfolds through acknowledging that humans are made in God’s image, redeemed through Christ’s atoning sacrifice, and equipped by the Holy Spirit to fulfill God’s will. The biblical testimony, corroborated by historical manuscripts and archaeological findings, further cements the certainty that humanity’s ultimate destiny is found in communion with God. Realizing this destiny merges doctrinal truth with everyday actions, guiding individuals to love God and neighbor in a tangible, life-giving way. Thus, the purpose of human life stands as both a theological truth and a lived reality: to know God, reflect His character, share His love, and find completeness in His eternal plan—forever pointing back to the One who made us for His glory. |
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