What is the meaning of life?
What Is the Meaning of Life? A Baptist Perspective
The question of life’s meaning is one of the most profound inquiries we can ask. It touches the very core of human existence, challenging us to evaluate our purpose, fulfillment, and satisfaction. Many people chase after worldly success, material possessions, or fleeting pleasures, only to find themselves unfulfilled and wondering if there is something more. As Ecclesiastes 1:2 (NKJV) declares, “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher; Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.” King Solomon, in the book of Ecclesiastes, explored this very question and concluded that life “under the sun” is meaningless without a relationship with God.
The Bible teaches that our ultimate purpose is to glorify God and enjoy fellowship with Him. This purpose has been marred by sin but is restored through Jesus Christ. Let us explore the meaning of life through the lens of God’s Word.
The Meaninglessness of Life Without God
Many people pursue meaning in life through wealth, success, relationships, entertainment, or self-improvement. However, these pursuits often leave a void. Solomon, one of the wealthiest and wisest men in history, wrote: “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and indeed, all is vanity and grasping for the wind” (Ecclesiastes 1:14, NKJV). Despite having unparalleled riches, wisdom, and pleasures, Solomon realized these things could not satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart.
Why is this the case? Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NKJV) provides the answer: “He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.” God has placed within us a longing for eternity, a realization that life is about more than what we see and experience here on earth. Without God, life becomes a cycle of unfulfilled desires.
Created for a Higher Purpose
The meaning of life begins with the recognition that we are created by God. Genesis 1:26–27 (NKJV) states: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’ So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Being made in God’s image gives every human being intrinsic value and a unique purpose.
Before sin entered the world, God provided humanity with the following:
Fellowship with Him – “And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day” (Genesis 3:8, NKJV).
Dominion over Creation – “Then God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth’” (Genesis 1:28, NKJV).
Meaningful Work – “Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it” (Genesis 2:15, NKJV).
Companionship – “And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him’” (Genesis 2:18, NKJV).
These blessings illustrate that God designed us for relationship, purpose, and fulfillment in Him. However, sin disrupted God’s perfect plan.
The Impact of Sin and the Restoration of Meaning
When Adam and Eve sinned, the fellowship between God and humanity was broken. Romans 5:12 (NKJV) explains, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned.” The fall brought separation from God, leaving humanity searching for meaning in all the wrong places.
Yet God, in His love and mercy, provided a way to restore what was lost. Romans 5:8 (NKJV) declares, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Through Jesus Christ, we are reconciled to God and restored to our intended purpose. John 14:6 (NKJV) affirms, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”
Eternal Meaning Through Jesus Christ
The real meaning of life is found in knowing God through Jesus Christ. John 10:10 (NKJV) states, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” This abundant life is not defined by material wealth or earthly success but by a restored relationship with God.
As we grow in our relationship with Christ, we find fulfillment in glorifying God. Isaiah 43:7 (NKJV) declares, “Everyone who is called by My name, whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him.” Living for God’s glory gives eternal significance to our lives. When we delight in Him, He aligns our desires with His will. Psalm 37:4 (NKJV) promises, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
The Future Restoration of Creation
The book of Revelation points to a time when God will fully restore creation. Revelation 21:3–4 (NKJV) gives this glorious promise: “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’”
In the new heaven and new earth, the curse of sin will be removed, and humanity will enjoy perfect fellowship with God forever. This is the ultimate fulfillment of life’s meaning.
Conclusion: Living With Eternal Purpose
The meaning of life is not found in worldly pursuits but in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. As Baptists, we affirm that our purpose is to glorify God, enjoy Him forever, and share His gospel with others. Matthew 16:24–25 (NKJV) reminds us, “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’”
True purpose and fulfillment are found in surrendering to Christ, living for His glory, and embracing the hope of eternity. Let us echo the words of Philippians 1:21 (NKJV): “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” May we live each day with the knowledge that our lives have eternal significance in Him.
