Biblical Answer

The Purpose of Life Without God

If there is no God, then life has no ultimate purpose. Without God, life is not qualitatively different from that of an animal. As the ancient writer of Ecclesiastes put it, The fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies, so dies the other (Ecclesiastes 3:19-20). This is because animals and humans alike are just products of chance, without any inherent purpose or meaning. In this view, life is without reason, and there is no ultimate goal or end for which we strive.

The Purpose of Life with God

On the other hand, if there is a God, then life has a purpose. This purpose is not to be happy or fulfilled in this life, but to know God. As the Bible says, The goal of human life is not happiness per se, but the knowledge of God, which in the end will bring true and everlasting human fulfillment (Psalm 16:11). When we know God, we are given a sense of purpose and direction that transcends our own desires and aspirations. This purpose is not just for our own benefit, but for the benefit of others as well. We are created to do good, to live for what matters, and to bring glory to God.

The Purpose of Suffering

But what about suffering? Is it pointless, or does it have a purpose? From a biblical perspective, suffering is not pointless. It is a part of life that can have benefit, even if we don't understand why it happens. We are not in paradise anymore, and suffering is a reminder of that. However, God has a plan to eliminate pain and suffering from this world, and until then, we are to turn to Him and trust that He is working all things for our good. Suffering can also be a catalyst for growth, both for ourselves and for others. It can bring us closer to God and give us a sense of purpose and meaning that we might not have otherwise. Ultimately, God redeems us from evil and takes us into the everlasting joy of an incommensurable good: fellowship with Himself.