Understanding the Purpose of Human Existence Theologically
The theological purpose of human existence is fundamentally rooted in God's will and glory, as humans were created by God and for God [6, 3]. This purpose is evident from the act of creation itself, which was undertaken by God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit, according to God's specific design and for His pleasure [3, 6].
Humanity was created in the image and likeness of God, male and female, on the sixth day of creation [6]. This initial state, however, was corrupted, necessitating a "new birth" for individuals to enter heaven [2]. This new birth, or new creation, is effected by God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit through the word of God and the resurrection of Christ [2]. It is described as a "new creation" and "newness of life," intended for the glory of God [2].
The purpose of human life, therefore, shifts from living for "human desires" to living "for the will of God" [1, 4]. This involves a life of holiness, as God's purpose is that humanity's way of life be "not unclean but holy" [5]. The ultimate goal is for God's people to know Him and share His holy character, recognizing that He alone is God and reigns over all creation [8].
In this life, believers are called to demonstrate faith, hope, and love [10]. Faith allows for the apprehension of spiritual blessings and walking with God, while hope enables the expectation of eternal blessedness. Love, or charity, is expressed through obedience to God and goodwill towards others [10]. The salvation purchased by Christ is referred to as "life" because it redeems humanity from the death caused by sin, quickens souls dead in trespasses, and enables individuals to fulfill divine purposes [9]. The Christian calling aims for the name of the Lord to be magnified through the believer's life and happiness, adorned with the graces of the Spirit [7].
Sources
- I Peter “I Peter 4:2 (LEB) — in order to live the remaining time in the flesh no longer for human desires, but for the will of God.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: New Birth, The — The corruption of human nature requires -- Joh 3:6; Ro 8:7,8. None can enter heaven without -- Joh 3:3. Effected by God. -- Joh 1:13; 1Pe 1:3. Christ. -- 1Jo 2:29. The Holy Spirit. -- Joh 3:6; Tit 3:5. Through the instrumentality of The word of God. -- Jas 1:18; 1Pe 1:23. The resurrection of Christ. -- 1Pe 1:3. The ministry of the gospel. -- 1Co 4:15. Is of the will of God -- Jas 1:18. Is of the mercy of God -- Tit 3:5. Is for the glory of God -- Isa 43:7. Described as A new creation. -- 2Co 5:17; Ga 6:15; Eph 2:10. Newness of life. -- Ro 6:4. A spir”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Creation — The formation of things which had no previous existence -- Ro 4:17; Heb 11:3. Effected By God. -- Ge 1:1; 2:4,5; Pr 26:10. By Christ. -- Joh 1:3,10; Col 1:16. By the Holy Spirit. -- Job 26:13; Ps 104:30. By the command of God. -- Ps 33:9; Heb 11:3. In the beginning. -- Ge 1:1; Mt 24:21. In six normal days. -- Ex 20:11; 31:17. According to God's purpose. -- Ps 135:6. For God's pleasure. -- Pr 16:4; Re 4:11. For Christ. -- Col 1:16. By faith we believe, to be God's work -- Heb 11:3. Order of First day, making light and dividing it from darkness. -- Ge 1:3-5;”
- 1 Peter “1 Peter 4:2 (NASB) — so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.”
- I Thessalonians “I Thessalonians 4:7 (BBE) — Because it is God's purpose that our way of life may be not unclean but holy.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Man — Made for God -- Pr 16:4; Re 4:11. God's purpose in creation completed by making -- Ge 2:5,7. Cannot profit God -- Job 22:2; Ps 16:2. Unworthy of God's favour -- Job 7:17; Ps 8:4. Created By God. -- Ge 1:27; Isa 45:12. By Christ. -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16. By the Holy Spirit. -- Job 33:4. After consultation, by the Trinity. -- Ge 1:26. On the sixth day. -- Ge 1:31. Upon the earth. -- De 4:32; Job 20:4. From the dust. -- Ge 2:7; Job 33:6. In the image of God. -- Ge 1:26,27; 1Co 11:7. After the likeness of God. -- Ge 1:26; Jas 3:9. Male and female. -- Ge 1:27; 5:2. A l”
- 2 Thessalonians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 2 Thessalonians 1:12: That the name of our Lord - This is the great end of your Christian calling, that Jesus who hath died for you may have his passion and death magnified in your life and happiness; that ye may show forth the virtues of him who called you from darkness into his marvellous light. And ye in him - That his glorious excellence may be seen upon you; that ye may be adorned with the graces of his Spirit, as he is glorified by your salvation from all sin. According to the grace - That your salvation may be such as God requires, and such as is worthy of his grace to co”
- Joel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Joel 3:17: 3:17 Then you will know: God’s ultimate purpose is that his people should know him and share his holy character. They must learn that he alone is God and that he reigns over all creation from Zion, his holy mountain (see also 2:27). The only true security in the present, and the only hope for the future, comes from God’s presence.”
- John (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on John 17:3: This is life eternal - The salvation purchased by Christ, and given to them who believe, is called life: 1. Because the life of man was forfeited to Divine justice; and the sacrifice of Christ redeemed him from that death to which he was exposed. 2. Because the souls of men were dead in trespasses and sins; and Christ quickens them by his word and Spirit. 3. Because men who are not saved by the grace of Christ do not live, they only exist, no good purpose of life being answered by them. But when they receive this salvation they live - answer all the Divine purposes, a”
- 1 Corinthians (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on 1 Corinthians 13:13: And now [in this present life] abideth faith, hope, charity - These three supply the place of that direct vision which no human embodied spirit can have; these abide or remain for the present state. Faith, by which we apprehend spiritual blessings, and walk with God. Hope, by which we view and expect eternal blessedness, and pass through things temporal so as not to lose those which are eternal. Charity or love, by which we show forth the virtues of the grace which we receive by faith in living a life of obedience to God, and of good will and usefulness to m”