What does the Bible say about how to find purpose in life?

Answer

The Bible is explicit about our life’s purpose. Individuals in the Old and New Testaments sought and found the purpose of life. Solomon, the wisest man ever, realized the emptiness of a life solely focused on this world. In the book of Ecclesiastes, he concludes, “Here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will judge every deed, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). Solomon emphasizes that life revolves around honoring God with our thoughts and actions, obeying His commandments, as one day we will face His judgment. Our purpose includes revering God and following His will.

Another aspect of our purpose is gaining a proper perspective on life on earth. Unlike those focused solely on this life, King David sought fulfillment in the future. He expressed, “As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness” «As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.», (Psalm 17:15). David anticipated complete satisfaction upon awakening (in the afterlife), seeing God’s face (fellowship with Him), and being like Him «Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. », (1 John 3:2).

In Psalm 73, Asaph discusses his temptation to envy the seemingly carefree wicked who amassed fortunes on deceitful practices.

He considered not only the tricks of those they took advantage of but also their ultimate end. In contrast to their pursuits, he emphasizes in verse 25 what truly mattered to him: “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you” (verse 25). To Asaph, a relationship with God held the utmost importance in life. Without that relationship, life lacks genuine purpose.

The apostle Paul reflected on all his religious accomplishments before encountering the risen Christ, concluding that they were worthless compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus. In Philippians 3:9-10, Paul expresses his desire to know Christ above all else and to “be found in Him,” to possess His righteousness, and to live by faith in Him, even in the face of suffering and death. Paul’s goal was to know Christ, to have a righteousness received through faith in Him, and to live in communion with Him, even amidst suffering «Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. », (2 Timothy 3:12). Ultimately, he anticipated participating in the “resurrection from the dead.”

Our purpose in life, as originally intended by God for man, is 1) to glorify God and enjoy fellowship with Him, 2) to cultivate healthy relationships with others, 3) to work, and 4) to have dominion over the earth. However, due to man’s fall into sin, fellowship with God was disrupted, relationships with others became strained, work became a source of frustration, and man struggled to maintain dominion over nature. Only through restoring fellowship with God, by placing faith in Jesus Christ, can the true purpose of life be rediscovered.

The purpose of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him eternally. We glorify God by revering and obeying Him, fixing our gaze on our future abode in heaven, and developing an intimate knowledge of Him. We enjoy God by following His intended purpose for our lives, which allows us to experience genuine and enduring joy—the abundant life that Jesus promised.

life that He desires for us.