What is my purpose here? Understanding the Question of Purpose One of the most significant questions in life is, “What is my purpose here?” This query has shaped human thought for generations, and it finds illuminating answers in Scripture. The Word repeatedly points to God’s plan, design, and intention for humanity, revealing that each person’s purpose flows from the Creator’s sovereign will. This entry explores the biblical teachings on why we are here, with references from the Berean Standard Bible. 1. Scriptural Basis for Human Purpose 1.1 Created for God’s Glory Scripture declares that the ultimate reason for our existence is to glorify God. As Isaiah 43:7 states, “…everyone called by My name and created for My glory…” We see that humanity was fashioned by God, with the central aim of reflecting His majesty. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 10:31 reinforce this by urging believers, “…whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.” Taken together, these passages emphasize that our purpose is inextricably tied to magnifying God in every aspect of life. 1.2 Fear God and Keep His Commandments The Book of Ecclesiastes condenses human duty pointedly: “When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man” (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Reverence for God (fear), coupled with living according to His Word, forms a central aspect of why we live. From ancient Israel to the present day, God’s desire remains that we walk in loving obedience to Him. 2. Relationship and Fellowship with God 2.1 Knowing the Creator Personally Throughout Scripture, God reveals Himself not merely as a distant deity but as a personal God who invites us into relationship. In the Garden of Eden, the Lord communed with the first humans (Genesis 3:8). Although sin disrupted this perfect fellowship, the overall biblical narrative emphasizes God continually reaching out to restore that relationship. Jesus Himself articulated the significance of relationship in John 17:3: “Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.” Not only do we exist to know God, but through Christ, we experience eternal life and fellowship with Him. 2.2 Fulfilled in Christ Romans 5:1–2 explains that through faith in Jesus, we are justified and gain access to God’s presence. This renewed intimacy—marked by peace, joy, and purpose—frames our existence. Instead of wandering aimlessly, believers find a clear purpose: to know God, to be transformed by Him, and to share His love with others. 3. Living as Part of God’s Plan 3.1 Called According to His Purpose Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.” Believers who submit to Christ discover a deeper sense of destiny. Our lives weave into God’s grand tapestry, aligning with His redemptive plan in history. 3.2 Doing Good Works Prepared in Advance Ephesians 2:10 declares, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” While salvation is solely by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), part of our design is to serve God and others through acts of righteousness. These good works are not random but are divinely orchestrated for each person—meaningful activities that reflect God’s love to the world. 4. The Grand Narrative of Creation and a Young Earth 4.1 A Universe with Intention Scripture presents the message that the universe did not arise by chance. Genesis 1:1 plainly states, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This sets the biblical framework for intelligent design—God is purposeful in how He orders creation. 4.2 Evidence in Nature Though this question leans more philosophical, many cite geological and scientific findings consistent with a creation model. Examples include: • Catastrophic geological features. Some geologists interpret the rock layers of the Grand Canyon and the widespread fossil record as evidence of a rapid, large-scale flood (see discussion related to the worldwide deluge described in Genesis 6–9). • Complexity in biological life. Observations in molecular biology reveal systems so intricate that many argue they point to a Designer rather than random processes. Such natural evidence, when viewed through a scriptural lens, supports the coherence of a God who both creates and assigns purpose. 5. The Role of Redemption 5.1 Restoration Through the Cross and Resurrection The fall described in Genesis 3 introduced sin into the world, fracturing humanity’s perfect purpose. Yet God’s redemptive plan through Christ restores that lost relationship. Ephesians 1:7 proclaims, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.” The resurrection of Christ, historically and scripturally attested (1 Corinthians 15:3–8), anchors the promise that sin and death do not have the final victory. Archaeological and historical documents, such as references to Jesus in the works of Tacitus and Josephus, and the enduring witness of the empty tomb, bolster confidence that the resurrection is not a myth but a landmark event in human history. 5.2 Purpose Secured Through Salvation In receiving this redemption, believers find that life’s purpose is no longer overshadowed by guilt or meaninglessness. Instead, 2 Corinthians 5:17 testifies, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” This new life in Christ energizes the believer with hope and clarity about God’s calling. 6. Practical Expressions of Purpose 6.1 Worship and Spiritual Growth Our purpose begins in worship—giving God the glory He deserves. Worship extends beyond church gatherings to daily life: prayer, studying Scripture, and cultivating Christlike character. As 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” Engaging with the Word fuels spiritual growth and understanding. 6.2 Loving God and Others Jesus summarized the greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37–39: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… Love your neighbor as yourself.” This dual call to love shapes our purpose, channeling our affections toward God and our actions toward serving others. 6.3 Sharing the Hope of the Gospel After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His followers: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Part of living out our purpose includes pointing others to Christ. Whether one serves in a local community, crosses cultural boundaries, or simply shares personal testimony, declaring the gospel is part of God’s design for believers. 7. Confirming the Reliability of Scripture and Purpose 7.1 Ancient Manuscript Evidence Numerous manuscripts—including fragments from the Dead Sea Scrolls for the Old Testament and thousands of Greek manuscripts for the New Testament—support the Bible’s consistency and reliability. These documents show that Scripture has been faithfully transmitted, preserving the teachings on life’s purpose over millennia. 7.2 Archaeological Corroborations Archaeological discoveries, such as the Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem or the House of David inscription (Tel Dan Stele), corroborate biblical accounts, adding historical weight to the Bible’s message. As the biblical timeline stands verified in multiple instances, confidence grows that the spiritual truths it proclaims about purpose and salvation are likewise dependable. 8. Conclusion: Living Out Your Purpose Human purpose is not an unsolvable riddle. Scripture unveils a God who created each person to glorify Him, know Him, and experience fulfillment in His plan. By trusting in Christ’s redemptive work on the cross and resurrection, individuals are restored to their original design—enjoying fellowship with God and engaging in meaningful service. From the earliest pages of Genesis to the final chapters of Revelation, the Bible points toward a singular, unifying truth: our lives find ultimate meaning in God. Walking by faith in Christ, seeking to glorify Him, and loving others in His name bring about the rich life of purpose for which we were created. As Jeremiah 29:11 assures, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.” This future and hope underscore the answer to the question, “What is my purpose here?” It is found in following God, honoring Him, and sharing that everlasting hope with all. |
    |