Why Are We Here? Humanity’s Purpose According to Scripture

Every worldview must answer at least three questions:

1. Where did we come from?

2. Why are we here?

3. Where are we going?

The Bible does not dodge these questions, it answers them.

Let’s dive into question number 2 today:

Why are we here?

From the opening chapters of Genesis to the closing vision of Revelation, Scripture presents a unified answer… humanity was created to live in relationship with God, reflect His character, and steward His world for His glory.

1. Created to Bear God’s Image

“Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” (Genesis 1:26)

Human purpose begins with identity.

Humanity is created in the image of God, meaning we are designed to represent God in the world.

This includes:

• Moral awareness (Genesis 2:16–17)

• Relational capacity (Genesis 2:18)

• Creative and governing responsibility (Genesis 1:28)

We exist not merely to survive, but to reflect God’s nature in how we live, love, rule, and create.

2. Created for Relationship With God

“The LORD God walked in the garden in the cool of the day.” (Genesis 3:8)

Before sin enters the world, God’s presence with humanity is normal, not exceptional.

Humanity’s purpose was never independent existence… it was communion.

This relational design continues throughout Scripture:

• God calls Abraham “my friend” (Isaiah 41:8)

• Israel is described as God’s dwelling place (Exodus 25:8)

• Believers are called God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16)

The Bible’s story is not about humans climbing to God, but God restoring relationship with humanity.

3. Created to Work and Steward God’s World

“The LORD God took the man and put him in the garden… to work it and keep it.” (Genesis 2:15)

Work is not a punishment, it is a calling.

Humanity was created to:

• Cultivate creation

• Develop culture

• Exercise responsible authority under God

The biblical vision of work is sacred.

Whether farming, building, teaching, leading, or serving… human labor reflects God’s creative nature when done in obedience and humility (Colossians 3:23).

4. Created to Know and Obey God

“Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)

Human purpose includes moral responsibility. To “fear God” means reverent trust and obedience… not terror.

Jesus echoes this:

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)

Obedience is not a burden—it’s the proper response to knowing the Creator.

5. Created to Glorify God

“Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory.” (Isaiah 43:7)

The ultimate purpose of humanity is God’s glory.

This doesn’t diminish human value, it actually establishes it.

We glorify God by:

• Trusting Him (Romans 4:20)

• Living righteously (Matthew 5:16)

• Bearing fruit (John 15:8)

To glorify God is to live aligned with reality as it truly is.

6. Restored Purpose Through Christ

Sin fractures humanity’s purpose, but it does not erase it.

“For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:22)

Jesus restores what was broken:

• Relationship with God (Romans 5:1)

• The image of God being renewed (Colossians 3:10)

• Our mission in the world (Matthew 28:19–20)

Christians are not merely saved from something, but saved for something.

7. Humanity’s Purpose Summarized

Scripture presents humanity’s purpose as:

a. To know God (Jeremiah 9:23–24)

b. To live in relationship with Him (John 17:3)

c. To reflect His character (Matthew 5:48)

d. To steward His creation (Genesis 1:28)

e. To glorify Him forever (Revelation 4:11)

Final Reflection

Humanity’s purpose is not self-definition, self-actualization, or self-exaltation.

It is God-centered, relational, and eternal.

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you.” — Augustine

The Bible’s answer is clear:

We were made by God, for God, to live with God.

Now and forever.