Last week we took an overview approach to answer this question focusing on God’s love. This week we are searching the Scriptures to see what else God wants us to know about the noble purpose He has instilled in each of us.
First, we turn to a book of poetry where we read: What is man that God is mindful of him? (Psalm 8:4,5). That is a question that has been answered many times, beginning in the first book of the Bible. God created man to have dominion over the planet Earth (Genesis 1:28). This purpose was in direct conflict with the former most powerful ruler of Earth, Satan. Satan attacks man even to this day to remove man as ruler and for Satan to try to gain back his rule over Earth and to destroy Israel.
But, Jesus the Lord God takes on the flesh of a man (Hebrews 2:9), coming to Earth as the “son of man.” This son of man defeats Satan at the cross, and is crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9; Psalm 8:5). Jesus raises man to a highly elevated position as a son of God and brother of Jesus, through placement in Christ (Ephesians 2:6) and adoption as sons (Galatians 4:4-5), for those who receive him (John 1:12). Man is thus raised to the highest place of significance far above that of the place of Satan.
Such a work of God brings glory to God, revealing his wonderful grace and mercy. Further, after raising man to a high position in Christ, God uses man to join with Him to carry out God’s will on Earth.
Man’s purpose is thus: To be an instrument used by God in the face of a powerful enemy, wherein God rules planet Earth through man, to accomplish God’s purposes, and so bring glory to God (1Peter 4:11; Ephesians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Therefore, we can conclude positively from the Scriptures that man has a noble purpose. A purpose that is good and honorable. A purpose that can be admired due to its impressive value in and through the work and activity of God.
If you would like to learn more about how you can become intimately connected to God and truly understand his purpose for you, check out our post: How does one become a Christian?
(Note: The reference to man refers to mankind and includes both men and women, sons and daughters).
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