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What does the Bible say about purpose in life?

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The Bible teaches that our purpose is to glorify God, enjoy Him, and live in faithful obedience through Jesus Christ. God works all things for the good of those who love Him, and He is completing His purposes for His people (Romans 8:28; Psalms 138:8). He created and redeemed believers in Christ for good works prepared beforehand (Ephesians 2:10), calling us to offer every part of life to His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our purpose includes knowing God, fearing Him, obeying His commands, resisting conformity to the world, and bearing witness to Christ among the nations (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Romans 12:2; Matthew 28:19-20).

Top passages, ranked by readers

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

  • 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 28:19-20

    [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.

  • Romans 12:2

    Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:31

    Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

  • Matthew 5:13-16

    [13] "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of men. [14] You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden. [15] Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house. [16] Even so, let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

  • Psalms 57:2

    I cry out to God Most High, To God who accomplishes my requests for me.

  • Jeremiah 1:5

    Before I formed you in the belly I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.

  • 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.

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