What is the nature and purpose of God and humanity?

I. The Eternal Nature of God

Scripture describes God as existing from everlasting to everlasting. “Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God” (Psalm 90:2). God’s existence is not bound by time or space, underscoring His eternality. Archaeological and historical sources reflect the ancient Hebrew understanding of an uncreated Creator, as seen in the Dead Sea Scrolls, which include early copies of the Psalms affirming God’s timelessness.

Multiple lines of scientific inquiry highlight that the universe had a beginning (commonly known as the Big Bang theory), consistent with the scriptural assertion that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). While science does not categorically prove every detail of Scripture, findings in cosmology continue to support the idea that the universe is not eternal, which aligns with an uncaused, eternal Creator.

II. The Personal and Triune God

God’s nature is revealed as both one in essence and plural in personhood—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each person of the Godhead is fully divine, yet there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4). Passages such as Matthew 3:16–17 show the Father speaking from heaven as Jesus is baptized and the Holy Spirit descending “like a dove,” portraying the distinct persons of the Trinity acting in unity.

Early Christian writings and the Church Fathers—many of whose works are attested by manuscripts like the Codex Alexandrinus—consistently uphold these biblical truths about God’s triune nature. This triune nature enables a personal relationship with creation, reflecting both love and holiness in God’s actions toward humanity.

III. God as Creator and Designer

God is portrayed as the intelligent Designer of all things. “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command” (Hebrews 11:3). Detailed intricacies in biological systems, such as the interdependent structures within cells and DNA’s digital-like code, point to design and purpose. Contemporary works in fields like molecular biology, as documented in various scientific journals, highlight the complexity of even the simplest life forms, echoing the scriptural declaration that this design is neither random nor purposeless.

In addition, many geologists who hold to a young-earth perspective emphasize evidences such as tightly folded rock layers without signs of fracturing, or fossil discoveries in sediment laid down rapidly, suggesting cataclysmic events consistent with a global flood account (Genesis 7–8). While not a consensus view among all scientists, these observations have been cited in peer-reviewed discussions to indicate rapid deposition rather than the slow processes traditionally proposed.

IV. God’s Moral Character and Sovereignty

The character of God is revealed through both His righteousness and love. “The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds” (Psalm 145:17). This moral excellence is the standard by which all creation is measured, upholding perfect justice while also extending compassion and mercy.

Throughout biblical history—attested by archaeological discoveries such as ancient king lists, references to biblical figures in secular documents (e.g., the Tel Dan Stele mentioning the House of David)—God demonstrates His sovereignty. He orchestrates events to accomplish His redemptive purposes, always remaining faithful to His word.

V. Purpose of Humanity: To Glorify God

Human beings are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), meaning they bear unique capacity for reason, morality, creativity, and relationship. This imago Dei forms the foundation of human value and purpose. The ultimate goal is to glorify God: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). By reflecting God’s attributes and living in obedience, humanity fulfills its chief end.

VI. The Fall and Humanity’s Need

Though created for communion with God, humanity fell into sin (Genesis 3:1–24), resulting in separation from God. As stated in Romans 3:23: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Historical accounts throughout Scripture and in extra-biblical writings—from the annals of ancient nations wrestling with moral decay—demonstrate humankind’s universal inclination toward wrongdoing and the need for restoration.

VII. God’s Redemptive Plan

The central hope is found in God’s plan for salvation through Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son” (John 3:16). Christ’s life, death, and resurrection are attested by multiple lines of evidence, from manuscript documentation (over 5,000 Greek New Testament manuscripts) to records of early Christian creeds (like 1 Corinthians 15:3–7) affirming the resurrection within a generation of the event. Archaeological findings, such as the discovery of first-century tomb sites near Jerusalem, corroborate the general setting of the Gospel narratives.

The historical credibility of the resurrection is defended by numerous testimonies of eyewitnesses who were willing to suffer persecution, even martyrdom, rather than recant their claim. As 1 Peter 1:3 declares, God “has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”

VIII. Humanity’s Response: Faith and Transformation

Salvation comes through faith in Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). This faith transcends mere intellectual assent, involving a transformation of the heart leading to repentance and spiritual rebirth (John 3:3). From a behavioral standpoint, this change of nature is observed in acts of compassion, worship, and moral decision-making consistent with God’s revealed will.

Testimonies across many cultures provide anecdotal evidence of lives transformed by embracing salvation in Christ. Missionary journals report communities where destructive habits dissipated following commitments to Christian faith, illustrating faith’s power to bring holistic renewal.

IX. God’s Work Through the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit works to convict hearts, empower service, and guide believers into truth (John 16:13). Documented reports of modern-day miracles, healings, and unexplainable providences—while varied in nature—echo the accounts in the book of Acts where the Holy Spirit continued Christ’s works. Such events serve as signs that confirm the transformative power of God’s kingdom and point to the ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit in the world.

X. Everlasting Fellowship and Purpose

Those who put their trust in Christ enter into an eternal relationship with God, the purpose for which humanity was created. Revelation 21:3 proclaims, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.” This eternal fellowship underscores God’s desire for personal relationship with His creation, culminating in the final restoration described in Scripture.

XI. Conclusion

God’s nature is eternal, personal, triune, and revealed through creation, Scripture, and the person of Jesus Christ. His character is holy and loving, and He designs humanity for fellowship with Himself and for His glory. While all people share in the brokenness of sin, a redemptive plan culminating in Christ’s resurrection remains central to reconciling humanity back to God. Faith in Christ transforms individual lives, restoring purpose and renewing the calling to reflect God’s image.

From Genesis to Revelation, the biblical narrative consistently testifies to this reality. Extra-biblical sources and archaeological findings support key persons and events, and scientific observations can serve as reminders of God’s intricate design. Ultimately, the nature and purpose of God and humanity are grounded in the God who creates, redeems, and calls all who believe to glorify Him forever.