FAQs Mondays: What is the Chief End of Man

Q1. What is the chief end of man?

The chief end of man is to glorify God and to enjoy him forever.  The term "chief end" refers to the greatest purpose.  In essence, the starting point for this catechism is the practical question, "Why do I exist?"  There seems to be a near universal desire to understand our place and purpose in the universe.  

Much like the Scriptures, this catechism does not seek to convince non-believers, but encourage believers.  It is a primer on matters of faith.  It is a kindergarten of divinity-a starting point from which to move deeper into the things of God.  It helps us to grapple with the deeper issues of faith and life.  

This question presupposes some things.  It presupposes:

• that a God exists, particularly the God of the Bible,
• that he created the world, including mankind, and  
• that man has been created with a purpose 

It can further be suggested, that the dual purposes of glorifying God and enjoying him cannot be separated, and thus serve a one "end."  If they were meant to be distinguished from one another the question might have been framed, "What are the chief ends of man?"  I like how John Piper paraphrases the answer to this question: "The chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying him forever."

But how do we know that this is the chief end of man?  Isaiah suggests that those whom God formed and made, were created for the Lord's glory (see Isa. 43:7).  David invites us to, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart" (Ps. 37:4, ESV).  But why was David so convinced?  He prays to the Lord, "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is the fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more" (Ps. 16:11, ESV).  David is convinced because he has been persuaded by the evidence of God's grace.  He had experienced God's grace first hand.

Another Psalmist, Asaph, asks, "Whom have I in heaven but you?  And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Ps. 73:24-25, ESV).  Having experienced deliverance from the hand of the Lord, Asaph acknowledges the fact that nothing else can sway his allegiance.  The Apostle Paul reminds us that this is the proper Christian response, "So, whatever you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Cor. 10:31).

How do we glorify God and enjoy him forever?  The term "glorify" doesn't mean that we make God glorious, it means that we display his glory to the world.  God is glorious, and our task is to reflect that glory.  First, we must acknowledge that we have all fallen short of our intended purpose, and thus stand in judgment.  Secondly, we must turn from our sin and place our trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  Finally, we walk in obedience to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  As we do this, we are free to enjoy our glorious Lord.  We are free to delight in his perfections, his glory, his provisions, etc.  As we delight in him, we glorify him to an even greater extent.  I pray that you will fulfill your chief end to glorify God and enjoy him forever.  May you glorify God and enjoy him forever.