What does the Bible say about purpose?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that God created and calls his people to live for his glory, trust his wise providence, and serve him in the good works he appoints. All things were made through and for Christ, and God accomplishes his purposes even through the changing circumstances of life (Colossians 1:16; Romans 8:28). Jeremiah 29:11 assures God's covenant people of his faithful intentions, while Proverbs 19:21 reminds us that his counsel ultimately stands. Through faith, believers are God's workmanship, saved by grace and prepared for lives of obedient service (Ephesians 2:10). Our chief calling is reverent obedience before God, proclaiming his excellencies and making disciples among the nations (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 28:18-20).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Jeremiah 29:11

    For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.

  • Romans 8:28

    We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.

  • Matthew 28:18-20

    [18] Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. [19] Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, [20] teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

  • Ephesians 2:10

    For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

  • Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

    [13] This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. [14] For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

  • Proverbs 16:4

    Yahweh has made everything for its own end-- Yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.

  • Psalms 138:8

    Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me; Your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever. Don't forsake the works of your own hands.

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may show forth the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

  • Proverbs 19:21

    There are many plans in a man's heart, But Yahweh's counsel will prevail.

  • Colossians 1:16

    For by him were all things created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through him, and for him.

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