What Is the Purpose of Life?

God doesn’t work randomly. He makes every decision and selection intentionally, for a reason. He alone is nice, so it’s fortunate for us that his every intention is for good.

The first chapter of Genesis shows an example of this. As he went through the stages of creation, God paused at the tip of day-after-day, looked back on his work, and declared it good. God designed every detail of Creation for good. And he gives us all good things for our enjoyment (1 Timothy 6:17). 

When God created humanity, female and male, he paused and stated we were superb. Extremely. 

We currently live in a culture that has removed any spiritual meaning from our lives. Yet people need meaning, a reason to live. So with no deeper, spiritual meaning, we aim our lives at pleasure, the felt need of the moment. Or some admit no real meaning in any respect. The modern attitude becomes, “What’s the purpose of life?” The resulting mental health crisis within the US and the Western cultures are symptoms of the emptiness we feel. We can medicate or dismiss the rising depression and anxiety, but there is a higher way. 

God created us for a purpose. And we are able to discover that purpose in Him and His Word. There is a degree, but we now have to look beyond what we see with our eyes. What does the Bible say in regards to the point of life? 

Why Do People Need to Know the Point of Life? 

Understanding the purpose of life is a fundamental aspect of human existence, providing individuals with a way of direction, meaning, and success. Pursuing purpose is deeply rooted within the human experience, as people yearn to make sense of their existence and find significance of their each day endeavors. 

First and foremost, knowing the purpose of life offers individuals a way of identity and belonging inside the broader context of God’s purpose for humanity. In the book of Genesis, the Bible teaches that God created human beings in His image and likeness, imbuing them with inherent dignity, value, and purpose (Genesis 1:26-27). This divine imprint reflects God’s intention for humanity to reflect His character and take part in His redemptive work.

Understanding the purpose of life enables individuals to live intentionally and focus, directing their efforts towards pursuits aligning with God’s will. In Proverbs, King Solomon exhorts readers to “commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he’ll establish your plans” (Proverbs 16:3). Through trusting in God’s goodness and love, people seek the Lord’s guidance and wisdom in all facets of life. 

Since God guarantees a future, knowing the purpose of life gives individuals hope and assurance, particularly within the face of adversity, suffering, and uncertainty. The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, “And we all know that in all things God works for the great of those that love him, who’ve been called in line with his purpose” (Romans 8:28). There is redemptive power in God’s sovereignty, assuring believers that even within the midst of life’s trials and tribulations, he’s working all things together for his or her ultimate good and his glory.

Understanding the purpose of life encourages individuals to prioritize everlasting values and invest their time, talents, and resources in lasting, meaningful pursuits. Jesus Christ teaches in Matthew, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all this stuff shall be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). When people try to serve their very own needs, they fail. Prioritizing the everlasting Kingdom brings each current and everlasting success. 

What Do Different Religions Believe in regards to the Point of Life? 

So far, we have discussed ideas from the Bible in regards to the point of life. What are another religious or philosophical perspectives? 

In Islam, the aim of life is to undergo the need of Allah (God) and to live in line with His commandments, as revealed within the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims imagine that life on earth is a test of religion and obedience and that the last word goal is to realize paradise within the afterlife by faithfully following the five pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage. Islam emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct. 

Judaism teaches that the aim of life is to meet the covenant between God and the Jewish people, as outlined within the Torah (the Jewish scriptures) and the teachings of the rabbis. Jews imagine that God selected them to be a “light unto the nations” and to uphold his commandments, including observing ethical and moral laws, rituals, and traditions. The ultimate goal of life is to honor God, live in line with his will, and contribute to the repair and redemption of the world (tikkun olam).

For Buddhism, the aim of life is to realize enlightenment (nirvana) and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). Buddhists imagine that life is characterised by suffering (dukkha) attributable to attachment and desire and that the trail to liberation involves overcoming these attachments through moral conduct, meditation, and wisdom. The ultimate goal is to realize inner peace, wisdom, and compassion, free from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.

Hinduism believes the aim of life is to realize moksha, or liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara), and to merge with the divine essence (Brahman). Hindus imagine within the concept of dharma, or duty, which encompasses moral and social responsibilities based on one’s caste, stage of life, and private circumstances. The ultimate goal is to live in harmony with the cosmic order (rta) and to comprehend one’s true nature as an everlasting soul (atman) through spiritual practice, devotion, and self-realization.

Existentialist philosophers akin to Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche posit that the aim of life just isn’t predetermined by any external authority or higher power but reasonably determined by individuals through their decisions and actions. Existentialism emphasizes the liberty and responsibility of the person to create meaning and purpose in a seemingly indifferent and absurd universe, confronting the existential realities of death and meaninglessness with courage and authenticity.

Some of those perspectives resemble Christian ideals, but how does the Bible express a novel approach? 

What is the Point of Life According to the Bible? 

From the short list of world religions above, we see moral systems or mystical realities that release us from suffering or perhaps a philosophy that simply accepts the meaning of all things. 

People desperately long for and want two things in life: intimacy and purpose. We desire each, and so they are inseparable. While we have been exploring the necessity for meaning, we won’t divorce the purpose of life from intimacy. In Christ, we now have each as one. The one focus of the Bible is the person of God and relational reconciliation with the Father. 

Humanity attempted to catch up with to God through moral systems or religious duty, yet these fell in need of true transformation and alter. God is defined by love (1 John 4:16). He is, inside himself, a relationship, three in a single. The Law couldn’t save. Our deliverance from this world and ourselves could only come through a relationship with God. Sin and death and insurrection separated us from him, but through the death and resurrection of Christ, we now have access to the intimacy and purpose we seek. 

To see the purpose of life, God gives us a glimpse of what’s going to occur at the tip of all things. Every knee will bow, and each tongue confesses he’s Lord (Romans 14:11). With this in mind, we all know the main target of our life. Humanity’s ultimate goal and success reside in our relationship with God. One notable passage encapsulating this idea is the Westminster Shorter Catechism, a summary of Christian doctrine widely utilized in Protestant churches. It states, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and luxuriate in him ceaselessly.”

This succinct declaration underscores each intimacy and purpose. The point of life is to glorify God—acknowledging his sovereignty, goodness, and majesty. By glorifying God, individuals recognize and honor his divine attributes, affirming his rightful place as Creator and Lord of all. This act of worship involves acknowledging God’s greatness, giving him thanks and praise, and surrendering one’s life to his will and purposes. (Psalm 86:12)

Further, we see the intimacy of having fun with the person of God ceaselessly. This goes beyond happiness or pleasure and encompasses a deep, intimate relationship with him. People might be reconciled back to the Father. (Psalm 16:11)

As previously stated, to prioritize the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, all other things are added to us. From the place of intimacy and purpose, we’re transformed to live accurately, from the saving love of God, not to realize it. We escape the brokenness and suffering of the world through the everlasting Christ. And we now have hope beyond the death and meaninglessness surrounding us. 

What Does the Biblical Point of Life Mean for Christians Today? 

Knowing the purpose of life, we transform our lives, reflecting a deeper understanding of our identity and purpose for God. These changes are internal but manifest in our actions and attitudes, shaping how we interact with God and others. 

1. Prioritize God in All Things. Understanding the purpose of life as glorifying God and having fun with him ceaselessly should lead us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. This involves searching for God’s will and guidance in every decision, dedicating time for prayer, worship, and spiritual growth, and obeying his commandments. 
2. Live a Life of Worship and Gratitude. Knowing all will in the future bow and worship the Lord, let’s begin today by recognizing God’s sovereignty, goodness, and charm in every aspect of life and responding with heartfelt praise, thanksgiving, and adoration. Whether in times of joy or adversity, we acknowledge God’s faithfulness and provision, cultivating a spirit of gratitude that permeates every aspect of our existence.
3. Serve Others with Love and Compassion. Understanding the purpose of life extends to how we interact with others. We are called to serve others with love and compassion, reflecting God’s selfless and sacrificial love for humanity. This involves meeting the needs of the poor, oppressed, and marginalized, advocating for justice and equality, and increasing acts of kindness and mercy to those in need. By demonstrating Christ-like love of their relationships and communities, believers witness the transformative power of God’s grace and embody the values of the dominion of God.
4. Share the Good News of Salvation. All humanity should know the purpose of life and the enjoyment and success inside this relationship with God. Therefore, we proclaim the gospel message of Jesus Christ, inviting others to experience the forgiveness, redemption, and everlasting life in him. This involves sharing personal testimonies of God’s grace, engaging in evangelism and outreach efforts, and demonstrating Christ’s love in word and deed. By sharing the hope of salvation with others, we take part in God’s redemptive work and fulfill their calling to be ambassadors of Christ.

According to the Bible, knowing the purpose of life results in transformative changes in how we live, love, and serve. We find security not in our abilities or intellect but God’s power and charm. Let’s worship him with abandon in our hearts, song, word, and motion, walking with him in intimacy with the King who loves us. 

Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/torwai

Britt Mooney lives and tells great stories. As an writer of fiction and non -iction, he’s keen about teaching ministries and nonprofits the facility of storytelling to encourage and spread truth. Mooney has a podcast called Kingdom Over Coffee and is a broadcast writer of We Were Reborn for This: The Jesus Model for Living Heaven on Earth in addition to Say Yes: How God-Sized Dreams Take Flight.