by Ester yusufu | 15 February 2020 08:46 am02
For generations, men and women have asked one of life’s most important questions: Why am I here? What is the purpose of my existence?
Before I came to know Jesus Christ, this question troubled me deeply. Many people today are also searching for meaning, wondering why we were born without choosing it, and why death comes suddenly without warning. These mysteries press us to ask: What is the meaning of life? Who designed it?
Every person naturally begins to search for answers. Some seek it in knowledge—believing education and wisdom will unlock life’s purpose. Others chase pleasure, success, relationships, or wealth. But Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest king in history, tested all of these paths for us.
The Bible says:
“And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding beyond measure, and breadth of mind like the sand on the seashore.”
(1 Kings 4:29, ESV)
With this wisdom and unmatched resources, Solomon explored every possible avenue to discover life’s meaning. He studied creation, sought human wisdom, accumulated riches, indulged in pleasure, built grand projects, and surrounded himself with countless wives and concubines. Yet after it all, his conclusion was shocking:
“Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities! All is vanity.”
(Ecclesiastes 1:2, ESV)
He even confessed:
“For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.”
(Ecclesiastes 1:18, ESV)
This shows us a deep theological truth: apart from God, everything in this world is temporary and ultimately meaningless.
In his final reflection, Solomon summarized life’s true purpose:
“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.”
(Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, ESV)
This conclusion is profoundly theological. Humanity was created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27), designed to reflect His glory and live in fellowship with Him. When sin entered the world through Adam (Romans 5:12), humanity lost this fellowship and began to seek purpose in created things rather than in the Creator (Romans 1:25). That is why human beings, apart from God, are restless, always chasing but never satisfied.
As St. Augustine famously said: “You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You.”
The New Testament reveals the full answer: our purpose is restored through Jesus Christ.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
(John 3:16, ESV)
Eternal life is not simply endless existence, but knowing God personally. Jesus explained:
“And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
(John 17:3, ESV)
This means the purpose of life is to know God, love Him, and live in relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
Without Christ, our lives remain in the cycle Solomon described—empty pursuits that cannot satisfy. With Christ, our lives gain eternal significance, because we are united with the One who made us.
When we receive Christ, He changes our lives. Paul writes:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
(2 Corinthians 5:17, ESV)
This new life has three key marks:
Solomon saw that humans are weighed down by uncertainty:
“For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be?”
(Ecclesiastes 8:7, ESV)
But Christ sets us free from this uncertainty. Because of Him, we can say with confidence:
“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
(Philippians 1:21, ESV)
So if you are searching for life’s purpose, the answer is clear: it is found only in Jesus Christ. He is the meaning of life, the source of eternal joy, and the fulfillment of our existence.
Today, you can make that choice. If you confess your sins, believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior, and receive Him into your heart, He will forgive you and give you eternal life (Romans 10:9–10).
From there, live out your faith: turn away from sin, be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38), and join a Bible-believing church where you can grow in His Word and fellowship.
This is the true purpose of life: to glorify God, to enjoy Him forever, and to find eternal hope in His Son, Jesus Christ.
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