Sunday, September 18, 2005

A young friend in college has lots of questions about the faith. Upon the recommendation of a friend, we put him in contact with a college professor. The young friend asked "Why did God make us, what is our purpose?" Unfortunately, the professor answered "I don't know".

Since that is second question, after "How do you know God exists?", it is a question you should be ready to answer. Here is my answer.

Why did God create us? He created us for his glory. In Isaiah 43:7, God refers to his people as “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made”. He made us and he made us for his glory.

The first question of the Westminster Catechism deals with this. It asks “What is the chief and highest end of man?” The answer is “Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.”

The Westminster Confession puts it this way “It pleased God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, for the manifestation of the glory of His eternal power, wisdom, and goodness, in the beginning, to create, or make of nothing, the world, and all things therein whether visible or invisible, in the space of six days; and all very good.”

Since we were created for God’s glory, we should live in a way that brings glory to him. Paul said, In 1 Corinthians 10:31, to do it all to the glory of God. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus said “let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise (or give glory to) your Father in heaven.” It is not that we add anything to God’s glory, but that we reveal it to the world.

In contrast, Paul describes the world as those who “although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.”

Because we are created to bring glory to God and to enjoy him, or to be satisfied in him, we are only fulfilled when we do. When we live a life that seeks to glorify ourselves, we feel empty and unfulfilled. The great philosopher and theologian Augustine said “You have made us and directed us toward yourself and our heart is restless until we rest in you.” (Confessions 1:1).

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

there is something remarkable in that...that within the Godhead there was perfect harmony and fellowship, yet God desired to have fellowship outside of Himself, for His glory. God, completely communicable within Himself, created man to fellowship with Him and enjoy Him forever. And we are communicable beings, who all desire fellowship with God. It's that "God shaped void" within every man. hope you're doing well Larry. and thanks for the teleological and epistemelogical questions for today...did you also respond with us having the indwelling of the Spirit and the gift of faith? This being a postmodern age, I doubt the person would try to refute your experience, wrought by the Spirit, in faith. but, i could be wrong!