God doesn't work randomly. He makes every decision and choice intentionally, for a reason. He alone is good, so it is 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 end of every 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, male and female, he paused and stated we were very good. 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 without a deeper, spiritual meaning, we aim our lives at pleasure, the felt need of the moment. Or some admit no real meaning at all. The modern attitude becomes, "What's the point of life?" The resulting mental health crisis in 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's a better way.
God created us for a purpose. And we can discover that purpose in Him and His Word. There is a point, but we have to look beyond what we see with our eyes. What does the Bible say about the point of life?
Why Do People Need to Know the Point of Life?
Understanding the point of life is a fundamental aspect of human existence, providing individuals with a sense of direction, meaning, and fulfillment. Pursuing purpose is deeply rooted in the human experience, as people yearn to make sense of their existence and find significance in their daily endeavors.
First and foremost, knowing the point of life offers individuals a sense of identity and belonging within 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 participate in His redemptive work.
Understanding the point 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 will establish your plans" (Proverbs 16:3). Through trusting in God's goodness and love, people seek the Lord's guidance and wisdom in all aspects of life.
Since God promises a future, knowing the point of life gives individuals hope and assurance, particularly in the face of adversity, suffering, and uncertainty. The apostle Paul writes in his letter to the Romans, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28). There is redemptive power in God's sovereignty, assuring believers that even in the midst of life's trials and tribulations, he is working all things together for their ultimate good and his glory.
Understanding the point of life encourages individuals to prioritize eternal 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 these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:33). When people attempt to serve their own needs, they fail. Prioritizing the eternal Kingdom brings both current and eternal fulfillment.
What Do Different Religions Believe about the Point of Life?
So far, we've discussed ideas from the Bible about the point of life. What are some other religious or philosophical perspectives?
In Islam, the purpose of life is to submit to the will of Allah (God) and to live according to His commandments, as revealed in the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims believe that life on earth is a test of faith and obedience and that the ultimate goal is to attain paradise in the afterlife by faithfully following the five pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage. Islam emphasizes the importance of moral conduct.
Judaism teaches that the purpose of life is to fulfill the covenant between God and the Jewish people, as outlined in the Torah (the Jewish scriptures) and the teachings of the rabbis. Jews believe that God chose them to be a "light unto the nations" and to uphold his commandments, including observing moral and ethical laws, rituals, and traditions. The ultimate goal of life is to honor God, live according to his will, and contribute to the repair and redemption of the world (tikkun olam).
For Buddhism, the purpose of life is to achieve enlightenment (nirvana) and liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). Buddhists believe that life is characterized by suffering (dukkha) caused by attachment and desire and that the path to liberation involves overcoming these attachments through moral conduct, meditation, and wisdom. The ultimate goal is to attain inner peace, wisdom, and compassion, free from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.
Hinduism believes the purpose of life is to achieve moksha, or liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth (samsara), and to merge with the divine essence (Brahman). Hindus believe in the concept of dharma, or duty, which encompasses moral and social responsibilities based on one's caste, stage of life, and personal circumstances. The ultimate goal is to live in harmony with the cosmic order (rta) and to realize one's true nature as an eternal soul (atman) through spiritual practice, devotion, and self-realization.
Existentialist philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche posit that the purpose of life is not predetermined by any external authority or higher power but rather determined by individuals through their choices and actions. Existentialism emphasizes the freedom and responsibility of the individual 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 these perspectives resemble Christian ideals, but how does the Bible express a unique 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 need two things in life: intimacy and purpose. We desire both, and they are inseparable. While we've been exploring the need for meaning, we can't divorce the point of life from intimacy. In Christ, we have both as one. The one focus of the Bible is the person of God and relational reconciliation with the Father.
Humanity attempted to get closer to God through moral systems or religious duty, yet these fell short of true transformation and change. God is defined by love (1 John 4:16). He is, within himself, a relationship, three in one. The Law couldn't save. Our deliverance from this world and ourselves could only come through a relationship with God. Sin and death and rebellion separated us from him, but through the death and resurrection of Christ, we have access to the intimacy and purpose we seek.
To see the point of life, God gives us a glimpse of what will happen at the end of all things. Every knee will bow, and every tongue confesses he is Lord (Romans 14:11). With this in mind, we know the focus of our life. Humanity's ultimate goal and fulfillment reside in our relationship with God. One notable passage encapsulating this concept is the Westminster Shorter Catechism, a summary of Christian doctrine widely used in Protestant churches. It states, "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever."
This succinct declaration underscores both 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 enjoying the person of God forever. This goes beyond happiness or pleasure and encompasses a deep, intimate relationship with him. People can 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 are transformed to live correctly, from the saving love of God, not to attain it. We escape the brokenness and suffering of the world through the eternal Christ. And we have hope beyond the death and meaninglessness surrounding us.
What Does the Biblical Point of Life Mean for Christians Today?
Knowing the point 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.
- Prioritize God in All Things. Understanding the point of life as glorifying God and enjoying him forever should lead us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. This involves seeking God's will and guidance in every decision, dedicating time for prayer, worship, and spiritual growth, and obeying his commandments.
- Live a Life of Worship and Gratitude. Knowing all will one day bow and worship the Lord, let's begin today by recognizing God's sovereignty, goodness, and grace 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.
- Serve Others with Love and Compassion. Understanding the point 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 extending acts of kindness and mercy to those in need. By demonstrating Christ-like love in their relationships and communities, believers witness the transformative power of God's grace and embody the values of the kingdom of God.
- Share the Good News of Salvation. All humanity should know the point of life and the joy and fulfillment within this relationship with God. Therefore, we proclaim the gospel message of Jesus Christ, inviting others to experience the forgiveness, redemption, and eternal 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 participate in God's redemptive work and fulfill their calling to be ambassadors of Christ.
According to the Bible, knowing the point of life leads to transformative changes in how we live, love, and serve. We find security not in our abilities or intellect but God's power and grace. Let's worship him with abandon in our hearts, song, word, and action, walking with him in intimacy with the King who loves us.
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