Why Were You Born? Discovering Your Life's Purpose

'Why were you born?'

IT’S ONE of the most profound questions we can ask. Science tells us we are the product of biology and evolution. Philosophers have long wrestled with ideas of purpose, fulfillment, and self-actualization. Religion often promises a future reward in heaven—but rarely explains why human life was created in the first place.

Yet the Bible reveals an astounding answer to this timeless question—one that not only gives our lives deep meaning but also reveals our incredible potential.

Life According to Science and Philosophy

Modern science explains life through the lens of biology. According to the theory of evolution, humans are the result of random mutations and natural selection over billions of years. Our emotions, creativity, and reasoning are considered byproducts of our advanced brains. But science can only describe how life works—it cannot tell us why life exists.

On the other hand, philosophy asks: “What is the best way to live?” Thinkers like Aristotle promoted the idea of self-actualization—becoming the best version of yourself through virtue and reason. Existentialists argue that we must create our own meaning. But even the most brilliant philosophies fail to provide a concrete answer to the question: Why were we created in the first place?

The Religious View: Going to Heaven?

Many religions teach that the purpose of life is to be “good” so we can go to heaven when we die. This idea has comforted billions, yet the Bible never actually teaches that humans go to heaven as a reward. In fact, Jesus plainly said, “No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven” (John 3:13).

So if we’re not here just to go to heaven, what is the real reason we were born?

Created in God’s Image

The answer begins in the very first chapter of the Bible:

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness…’” (Genesis 1:26–27).

In the Hebrew word, the concept of "image" and "likeness" in relation to God and humanity is expressed through the words tselem (צלם) and demut (דמות), respectively. "Tselem" conveys the idea of a representation or form (a reflection of God), while "demut" signifies resemblance or likeness in appearance or characteristics. It suggests a shared quality or attribute with the Creator himself!

Moreover, the Lord God commanded them to, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion... over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:28). Essentially, this gives human being its purpose and stewardship of unlimited potential as God's representative on earth.

So unlike animals, human beings were uniquely created in the image and likeness of God. This isn’t just about physical traits or intelligence. It points to a spiritual destiny—to reflect God's character and ultimately share His nature. God is reproducing Himself!

A Test of Choice in Eden

In the Garden of Eden, God placed two symbolic trees: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil (Genesis 2:9). These represented two paths: one leading to divine life and wisdom from God, and the other to self-directed knowledge—deciding right and wrong apart from God.

Sadly, mankind chose the second path. Adam and Eve rejected God's way, and humanity has since walked the long road of trial and error, guided by human reasoning, pride, and rebellion. This is the way of sin—and its result is suffering, death, and separation from God.

God's Incredible Plan for Humanity

But God has not given up on humanity. In fact, our Father has a plan to redeem and restore us to our original purpose.

That purpose is not just about being saved from hell. It’s about becoming part of God’s own family.

“Did He not make them one… and why one? He seeks godly offspring” (Malachi 2:15).

God is building a family. Through Jesus Christ, the firstborn Son of God (Romans 8:29), we are called to become children of God ourselves:

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1).

Through repentance, baptism, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are now begotten as children of God—not yet born into spirit, but on the path to glory.

The Ultimate Destiny: Born Again into God's Kingdom

Jesus told Nicodemus, “Unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Being born again is not just a change of heart—it's a literal transformation.

At the resurrection, God’s faithful people will be born into His Kingdom as immortal spirit beings—just like Christ.

Paul wrote:

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ…” (Romans 8:16–17).

We are not just saved to be spectators—we are being prepared to reign with Christ!

“To him who overcomes… I will give power over the nations” (Revelation 2:26),

and,

“They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6).

You Were Born for a Purpose!

You were not born by accident. You were not born just to get a job, raise a family, grow old, and die. You were born to become a son or daughter of God—to reflect His image, to grow in His character, and to one day be born into His divine family, as a spirit being in the Kingdom of God.

That is the true purpose of life.

Will you accept that calling?

The choice is yours!