The Purpose of Our Life:
A Biblical Explanation
The question, “What is the purpose of our life?”, is one that has echoed in the hearts of people for centuries. It is a deeply philosophical and existential inquiry that all of humanity has pondered, but the Bible provides clear answers to this question. Our purpose is intricately tied to our relationship with God, His glory, and His plans for us. Let’s explore this question from a biblical perspective.
1. To Glorify God
The most fundamental purpose of life, according to the Bible, is to glorify God. From the very beginning, God created humanity to reflect His glory and honor Him through our lives.
- Isaiah 43:7: “Everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made.”
- 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
God created us to reflect His nature and to live in such a way that others see His greatness in our lives. Our thoughts, actions, words, and choices should honor Him. We are vessels meant to display His glory.
2. To Know and Love God
The Bible teaches that we were created for relationship with God. God desires to have an intimate relationship with us, to know us, and for us to love Him.
- Matthew 22:37-38: “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.”
Our purpose begins by loving God. We were created to have a personal relationship with Him, to walk with Him in the cool of the day, and to find our deepest fulfillment in Him. Knowing and loving God is the greatest commandment, and it is foundational to our purpose in life.
3. To Serve God and Others
Life is not only about our relationship with God, but also about serving others. The Bible calls believers to be servants of God and to serve others selflessly.
- Matthew 20:28: “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
- Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus modeled servant leadership for us. Our purpose is to serve both God and others, following Christ’s example. Serving others not only reflects God’s love but also fulfills God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).
4. To Be Conformed to the Image of Christ
Another vital purpose is to become more like Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that believers are to be transformed into the likeness of Christ throughout their lives.
- Romans 8:29: “For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
As followers of Christ, our goal is to grow more like Him in character, holiness, and love. The ultimate goal of the Christian life is spiritual transformation, so that we might reflect the character of Christ more fully.
5. To Share the Gospel and Make Disciples
God’s purpose for our lives also includes being part of His mission to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to the world. We are called to make disciples, to share the message of salvation, and to invite others into God’s family.
- Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
- Acts 1:8: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
God’s plan is for His kingdom to expand through His followers. The purpose of our life is not just for self-glorification or personal fulfillment but to be part of God’s redemptive work in the world.
6. To Experience and Reflect God’s Love
God created us to experience His love and to reflect that love to others. As recipients of His amazing love, we are meant to love others in the same way.
- 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.”
- 1 John 4:7-8: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
Our purpose is to experience the unconditional love of God and to love others in a way that mirrors His love. Love is the central theme of the Christian life and should motivate everything we do.
7. To Live in Community with Other Believers
The Bible makes it clear that believers are not meant to live isolated lives but are called into community with one another.
- Hebrews 10:24-25: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
- 1 Corinthians 12:27: “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
Our purpose is not only to glorify God individually but to be part of the Body of Christ. We are called to build each other up, encourage one another, and live in unity as we serve God together.
8. To Live for Eternity
The Bible teaches that life on earth is temporary, and our true home is in heaven with God. The purpose of our lives is not to accumulate wealth or live for the pleasures of this world, but to live for the glory of God and eternal rewards.
- Colossians 3:2: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
- Matthew 6:19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
As believers, we are called to live with eternity in mind, investing in things that have eternal significance, and seeking first God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:33).
9. To Enjoy God’s Creation
God created the world and everything in it for His glory, and He also created it for us to enjoy. Life is a gift, and part of our purpose is to delight in the beauty of God’s creation, appreciating His handiwork and giving thanks.
- Genesis 1:31: “God saw all that He had made, and it was very good.”
- Psalm 104:24: “How many are Your works, Lord! In wisdom You made them all; the earth is full of Your creatures.”
God’s creation is filled with beauty and wonder, and He calls us to enjoy it, to steward it well, and to give thanks to Him for it.
10. To Walk in Obedience to God’s Commandments
Finally, our purpose is to walk in obedience to God’s Word. Obedience to God’s commandments is how we demonstrate our love for Him and how we live out our purpose on this earth.
- John 14:15: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
- Deuteronomy 10:12: “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in obedience to Him, to love Him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Obeying God is a direct response to His love and a way to fulfill our purpose on this earth. Our obedience reflects our love for Him and our desire to live according to His will.
Conclusion
The purpose of life, biblically speaking, is multi-faceted. It is about glorifying God, loving Him and others, serving Him, and living out His calling in this world. We were created with a divine plan, designed to become more like Christ, share His love, and live in community. Our ultimate purpose is not tied to material success or fleeting pleasures, but to live for God’s eternal kingdom. Through our relationship with God, we find fulfillment, joy, and peace, knowing that our lives are part of His great story of redemption.
May you discover the purpose God has for your life and walk in it faithfully, glorifying Him every step of the way.


















