The Chief End of Man

To be born into our poor, fallen world, many philosophical questions arise in our perplexed souls. Is life a sick cosmic joke? Why am I here? What is my purpose? Why all the suffering? Are there any long-term solutions to all the problems we endure in this vain, fleeting life? And probably the most difficult question of all when dealing with the specter of death, what happens to us after we die?

The world has created many religions, philosophies, and worldviews in an attempt to answer these challenging questions. Out of them all, is there a safe, reliable source for us to trust that can satisfy our longings for meaning, worth, and purpose in our poor, fallen world? The short answer is a profound YES!

The divines at Westminster asked another central question considering man’s plight upon earth, “What is the chief end of man?” The inspirational answer is, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”

Man on this earth is not a cosmic accident. Man is made in the image of God. Though we are a fallen race marred by sin, that divine image is still stamped upon the souls of all men, in all nations, and for all times. Abraham Lincoln, commenting on this truth as it relates to slavery, stated, “Nothing stamped with the divine image and likeness was sent into the world to be trodden on, degraded, and imbruted by its fellows.” Think of this truth when considering our generation’s national abomination, which is abortion.

Each human being has inherent worth. There is a sacred element to humanity that sin, Satan, and the world system conspire to distort, pervert, and destroy. Jesus proved the worth of humanity by coming to this earth to redeem image bearers who suffer under the curse of the Fall and are helpless against these threefold enemies.

It is in Christ alone that man is to find their identity, meaning, and purpose in life. Knowing our Creator, believing in the Savior who died for us, and the King who arose from the dead to grant us newness of life, this is our peace in the storms and the anchor that holds as we negotiate through this sometimes veil of tears.

What does it mean to glorify God? Jesus provided the answer, “I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do” (John 17:4). When born into God’s Kingdom and added to His church, a divine purpose and task is assigned with it. It is in the discovery and faithful execution of that task that glorifies God in the earth and prepares us to enjoy Him forever.

God’s Word promises, “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). Considering this blessed assurance, saints, keep pressing on to the high call and prize in Jesus’ name!

IN KING JESUS’ SERVICE

Devotional Prayer

Dear Gracious Father, we come to you in the worthy name of your son, Jesus, who alone grants us access to Your Throne of Grace. It is my sincere prayer that all those who set their eyes and read this devotional, "The Chief End of Man" will be encouraged and strengthened in their faith. May they know fully who they are in Christ. May their identity, meaning, and value be found in Christ alone. And through this Biblical knowledge may they fulfill the purpose by which you set them apart to be your people to advance your glory, Kingdom, and great salvation in the earth in Jesus' name!

— Pastor Rusty Thomas is a military veteran, former Hollywood actor, and founder of America Reformation Church (ARC) in Melbourne, Florida. A longtime pro-life leader, author, and speaker, he has spent decades equipping families in biblical leadership. Find more information about ARC online at archurch.net or on Facebook @Archurch.