A Biblical Worldview, Part 4: Teleology — Living Toward God’s Ultimate Purpose
(Building on the foundational post, “A Biblical Worldview: Seeing Life Through the Lens of Truth”)
Every worldview must ultimately answer the question, “Why?” Why does anything exist? Why are we here? What is the purpose of it all?
This question leads us into the realm of teleology—the study of purpose, design, and destiny. For the follower of Christ, the answer is neither abstract nor self-centered. Scripture teaches that all things exist for God’s glory. Life’s meaning is not discovered by looking inward, but upward.
“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”
— Romans 11:36 (NASB)
Purpose Begins with God
In a Biblical worldview, purpose flows from the nature of God Himself. He is not only the Creator of all things, but the One who imbues creation with meaning. The universe is not a cosmic accident—it is a divine intention.
Human philosophy often looks for purpose in human achievement, pleasure, or progress. Yet without reference to God, those pursuits end in futility. As Solomon observed in Ecclesiastes, all is “vanity and striving after wind” when disconnected from God (Ecclesiastes 1:14).
The Bible instead begins with this foundation:
“The Lord has made everything for its own purpose.”
— Proverbs 16:4 (NASB)
Every atom, every life, every moment exists by design. God’s purposes extend from the smallest detail to the grand sweep of history.
The Purpose of Creation
God did not create the world because He lacked something or needed companionship. The triune God was already complete in love and joy. Rather, He created out of the overflow of His goodness and for the display of His glory.
“Everyone who is called by My name,
And whom I have created for My glory,
Whom I have formed, even whom I have made.”
— Isaiah 43:7 (NASB)
The heavens declare His glory (Psalm 19:1), and humanity—made in His image—is meant to reflect that glory back to Him. When creation functions as God intended, it becomes a mirror of His majesty.
Teleology, then, is not just about our purpose but about God’s purpose. All creation exists to glorify Him, and all history moves toward the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.
The Purpose of Redemption
When sin entered the world, humanity’s sense of purpose fractured. Instead of living for God’s glory, people began living for self. Yet God’s plan of redemption restores us to our original purpose.
“He predestined us to adoption as sons and daughters through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace.”
— Ephesians 1:5–6 (NASB)
The cross of Christ reveals the ultimate purpose of history: the reconciliation of all things to God (Colossians 1:19–20). Salvation is not merely about escaping judgment; it is about being restored to the purpose for which we were made—to love, worship, and serve God forever.
As Paul writes,
“We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
— Ephesians 2:10 (NASB)
Redeemed people live purposeful lives because they are participants in God’s ongoing story of grace.
The Futility of a Godless Purpose
Modern culture tells us to “find your own purpose” or “create your own meaning.” But this approach leaves us chasing what cannot satisfy. Without God, purpose becomes temporary, fragile, and often self-destructive.
When the center of purpose is self, the end is emptiness. When the center is God, the end is joy.
Jesus warned of this inversion when He said,
“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?”
— Mark 8:36 (NASB)
Purpose without God may look impressive for a season, but it will not endure. Only what is rooted in eternity bears lasting fruit.
Our Purpose in Christ
For believers, teleology is not a mystery to be solved but a relationship to be lived. Jesus revealed the purpose of life in one simple statement:
“This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
— John 17:3 (NASB)
To know God is to know purpose. To walk with Him is to find direction. Every vocation, every calling, every season of life gains significance when it is aligned with this ultimate aim—to glorify God and enjoy His fellowship.
Paul captures this beautifully:
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
— 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NASB)
Our lives become worship when we live with this awareness. Work, family, service, and rest are all sacred when done for Him.
The End Toward Which All Things Move
Biblical teleology looks not only to the beginning but to the end. The story of creation moves toward consummation—when Christ returns and God’s purposes are fulfilled in full.
“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow… and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
— Philippians 2:9–11 (NASB)
History is not cyclical or meaningless; it is linear and purposeful. It began in creation, was redeemed at the cross, and will be completed in Christ’s return. The final chapter of teleology is worship—every creature acknowledging the sovereignty and goodness of God.
Living in Light of Eternal Purpose
When we grasp that our purpose is bound up in God’s glory, our perspective changes. Suffering becomes a context for faithfulness. Success becomes an opportunity for gratitude. Every trial, every joy, every breath becomes part of a larger tapestry woven by the hand of God.
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
— Romans 8:28 (NASB)
This confidence enables us to live with peace in uncertainty and courage in adversity. Life is not meaningless; it is deeply intentional.
Conclusion: Living for His Glory
Teleology asks, “What is the purpose and destiny of everything?” The Biblical answer is this: all things exist to glorify God.
To live with this understanding is to live with freedom and focus. We no longer need to invent purpose; we are invited to participate in God’s.
“The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord,
As the waters cover the sea.”
— Habakkuk 2:14 (NASB)
When that day comes, every redeemed heart will echo the cry of heaven:
“Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing.”
— Revelation 5:12 (NASB)
Until then, may we live each day for His glory—finding our meaning, our mission, and our joy in the One who made all things and holds them together.