Meaning & purpose of life - Christianity (SDA)

To glorify God and have a personal relationship with him

- OT often refers to God's glory

- God's glory reflected uniquely in Jesus

- Jesus taught his disciples to encourage others to give glory to God

Purpose of glorifying God

Christians experience the Kingdom of God in this life, as well as beyond death

Glorifying God quote

"Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your father in Heaven."

To prepare for judgement

- Genesis 2 shows humans were created for fellowship with God, but disobedience led to alienation.

- God restored relationship with humanity through Jesus' death

- The final act of this reconciliation is judgement

Prepare for judgement quote

Parable of Sheep and Goats - "The kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world" and "The eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels".

God's Kingdom - Jewish beliefs

- Kingdom of God = Key part of Jewish thinking

- Jewish Rabbis' view = Kingdom brought about by God

- Jews of Jesus' time view = Coming of a Messiah (king), who would free Israel from Roman occupation

God's Kingdom - Christian beliefs

- Christian view = Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom

- Some Christian view = Event entirely in future (linked to Second Coming & Judgement)

- Other Christian view = Fully realised after death, but partial reality now

Reasons for God's Kingdom on Earth

- Stewardship: Caring for fellow humans and rest of creation

- OT Prophets spoke of a new age of justice, peace and fulfilment of needs

- 8th Century Prophet Hosea envisaged God making a new covenant with whole of creation

- Humans called to work actively for Kingdom on Earth, e.g. through pursuing justice

Links of God's Kingdom to other purposes

- Most see it as a form of glory to God

- Arises from personal relationship with God, sustained by prayer/meditation

God's Kingdom on Earth quotes

- "The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"

- "[Christians] are sent to engage in society so that the Kingdom of God can grow among men."

Glory

Infinite beauty and splendour of God

Kingdom of God

Rule of God

Judgement

After death, people's lives will be assessed by God.