The Meaning of LifeSýnishorn

The meaning of life - Where do I come from?

To find meaning in life, certain key elements are necessary. While their importance may vary from person to person, the absence of these elements can quickly lead to a sense of meaninglessness. This often results in confusion, negative thought patterns, despair, and even hostile behaviour. In this study, we will explore the essential components of a meaningful life and examine what the Bible teaches about them.

In order to find meaning in life, we need to be sure of our origin - where we come from. When we read the Bible, we find, for instance, extensive genealogy lists in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. People have an innate desire to know where they come from. Once they know it, it gives them a deep sense of belonging.

Question about origin: God created us

In Genesis 1:1 and 26, we read: In the beginning God created heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1; BSB). Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.” So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Genesis 1:26-27; BSB).

Genesis 1-2 makes it very clear that we have been created for a purpose. We are not the result of a blind, unguided, purposeless, random evolutionary process or force. Life cannot have real sense and meaning if the question of origin has not been answered or settled. "Origin" determines what we think about ourselves. If there is no God, then there is no anchor, no moral code, and no moral laws to govern our behaviour. It does not provide a meaningful answer to the question "Who am I?"

A rational God skillfully created us. He made us in His image, His likeness, and purposefully appointed us over His creation: Then the LORD God took the man and placed him in the Garden of Eden to cultivate and keep it (Genesis 2:15, 1:27; BSB).

One more reference about our createdness: For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb… I am fearfully and wonderfully made… Marvellous are Your works… My frame was not hidden from You… Your eyes saw my unformed body; my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:13-16; BSB). How amazing is this!