What Is the Purpose of Human Existence According to the Bible?

By Alex Assoune Apr 14, 2025

The question of human purpose is one of the oldest and most meaningful questions people have ever asked: Why are we here? What is the reason for our existence?

According to the Bible, the purpose of human existence is deeply connected to God's nature, His intentions, and His relationship with humanity. The Bible presents a clear and consistent message: humans were created by God, for God, and to live in relationship with Him and with one another.

Let’s explore what Scripture says about why we exist, how we were created, what our role is, and what ultimate fulfillment looks like in the eyes of God.

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1. Created by God: The Beginning of Purpose

The Bible begins with a clear foundation: God is the Creator of all life, including human life.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” – Genesis 1:1

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27

These verses show that humans were not an accident or a random product of nature. Instead, the Bible teaches that we were intentionally designed by God with a purpose.

The idea that humans were made "in the image of God" (Latin: Imago Dei) means we reflect God's character in unique ways. This includes our ability to think, create, love, choose, and live in relationship. It also gives every human life inherent dignity and worth.

So, from the very beginning, the purpose of human existence is rooted in relationship — we were created by God and for God.

2. To Know and Worship God

One of the main themes throughout the Bible is that we were created to know, love, and worship God.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” – Matthew 22:37

“This is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” – John 17:3

Knowing God is not just about intellectual belief. It involves a personal, loving relationship. The Bible describes God not as a distant force but as a personal being who desires connection with us.

Worship is one way we express this relationship. True worship is not just singing or rituals — it's a lifestyle of honoring God with our choices, our words, and our hearts. The Psalms are filled with examples of worshipful living:

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” – Psalm 150:6

So according to Scripture, human purpose includes living in constant awareness of God’s presence and glorifying Him through how we live.

3. To Reflect God’s Character and Rule on Earth

Another key purpose for humanity in the Bible is to reflect God’s character in the world and take care of His creation.

“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” – Genesis 1:28

This is sometimes called the Cultural Mandate. It means humans were created not only to exist in God’s image but to act on His behalf in the world. We were meant to care for creation, develop culture, build families, seek justice, and live with compassion — all as representatives of God’s goodness.

In this way, the Bible presents human beings as stewards of the earth — not owners. Everything belongs to God, but He has given us the role of caretakers. That role is both a privilege and a responsibility.

4. To Live in Loving Relationship with Others

From the very beginning, the Bible emphasizes the importance of human relationships.

“It is not good for the man to be alone.” – Genesis 2:18

We were created for community, not isolation. God’s design for human life includes family, friendship, marriage, and society. These relationships mirror God’s own relational nature — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit living in perfect unity.

Jesus summarized the purpose of life in two great commandments:

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind… and love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37–39

This means human life is ultimately about loving relationships — with God and with one another. The Bible says we were never meant to find purpose through selfish ambition or material success alone. Instead, we find purpose in selfless love, service, and connection.

5. To Be Transformed and Made Holy

Human existence isn’t just about being born and doing good things — it’s about becoming who we were truly made to be.

“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” – Romans 8:29

One of the Bible’s core teachings is that we were made not just to live, but to be transformed — to become more like Jesus Christ. This process is called sanctification. It means growing in character, learning from suffering, and turning away from sin.

God’s purpose includes shaping us over time — using both joy and hardship to teach us love, humility, faith, and perseverance.

“And we all… are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18

So, the Bible teaches that human purpose includes spiritual growth — becoming the best version of ourselves, not by our strength, but through God’s grace.

6. To Share the Good News

According to Jesus, another key reason we exist is to help others find the same relationship with God that we’ve found.

“Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19–20

This is known as the Great Commission. It means followers of Christ are called to share the message of God’s love and salvation with others.

The Bible says that this life is not all there is — there is eternity beyond death. And one of the most meaningful purposes we can have is helping others find eternal life through faith in Jesus.

“You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.” – Matthew 5:14–16

Our purpose includes being a light — bringing hope, truth, and love to a world that desperately needs it.

7. To Glorify God Forever

Ultimately, the Bible says that our existence is meant to bring glory to God — both now and in eternity.

“Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” – Isaiah 43:7

To glorify God means to make Him known, honored, and celebrated through every part of our lives — our work, our words, our relationships, and our character.

This isn’t about being perfect. It’s about living with purpose, humility, and faith — trusting God and pointing others toward Him.

In the final chapters of the Bible, we see the ultimate vision of human existence:

“Now the dwelling of God is with man, and he will live with them… There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.” – Revelation 21:3–4

The end goal is not escape from the world, but the restoration of all things — a renewed heaven and earth, where humans live in perfect relationship with God, with one another, and with creation.

Conclusion: A Purpose Rooted in God

So, what is the purpose of human existence according to the Bible?

To know and love God
To live in relationship with others
To care for creation
To grow in holiness
To share the good news
And ultimately, to glorify God forever

This biblical vision gives life incredible meaning — not just in eternity, but here and now. It answers our deepest questions and invites us into a relationship that brings true peace, joy, and purpose.

Whether we’re working, parenting, creating, resting, or serving, our lives matter — because they are part of a divine story, written by a loving Creator.

“For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” – Romans 11:36

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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