Upon closer examination, the Holy Scripture reveals the divine plan that foresaw the creation of a being superior to angels, made in the image and likeness of God. This is stated in Genesis 1:26-27, where God declares: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” This idea is reinforced in Romans 8:28-29, which suggests that God predetermined before creation that people would have His nature.

According to the Holy Scripture, the purpose for which man was created was to live eternally, in purity, and in deep communion with God. This communion is meant to offer man happiness, inner peace, joy, and the state of rest in which God is.

According to the biblical account in Genesis 3:10, man’s fall from Eden marked the loss of his initial state of purity and perfect harmony with God. This led to the experience of a profound sense of lack and unfulfillment.

The episode in the Garden of Eden describes how Adam, after his fall through disobedience, expresses his fear and desire to hide: “I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” This significant moment highlights the emergence of fears and the feeling of vulnerability, marking the opposite of the state of inner peace and soul rest that man had before.

Since the fall from Eden, man has been engaged in a continuous search to regain the happiness and soul rest for which he was initially created. He tries to reencounter the state of happiness through various means and in different places. However, he often faces failures, managing only to taste temporary fragments of the happiness and joy he seeks.

In our daily lives, it is easy to observe through the often-heard wishes that man’s fundamental aspiration is to achieve happiness. Many eagerly await holidays, such as Easter and Christmas, because they bring a touch of happiness. We address each other with wishes like “Happy Holidays!” and “Happy New Year!”.

However, the transient things of the material world cannot offer the happiness that comes from a deep state of soul rest. Soul rest is essential for achieving well-being and satisfaction, as intended in the initial creation of man.

Just as a car reaches maximum performance when used according to the purpose for which it was designed, man also achieves a state of satisfaction and complete fulfillment when he reaches the purpose for which he was created.

Just as the body is fully satisfied when it is well-fed, clean, and rested, so too does the human soul have its own needs which, once fulfilled, bring complete fulfillment and satisfaction.

The human soul reaches fulfillment when rest, peace, and joy become normal and constant states, which can be achieved by adopting and cultivating the values presented in the Kingdom of God, such as purity, righteousness, long-suffering, love, kindness, mercy, and gentleness.

Note:
This post is an excerpt from the booklet “The Purpose of Life”, available free of charge and in full, in written form – click the booklet’s title to access it.
On unmodifiedword. com you will also find other resources dedicated to a life of authentic discipleship, so that we may become like Christ.