Something is still missing in human beings
Paul refers to the "spirit of the man" as that which makes people intellectually superior to animals. It separates us from other physical creatures, allowing us to know"the things of a man," to think and understand on a much higher plane.
We were created to possess certain intellectual capacities similar to those of the Creator Himself (Genesis:1:26), enabling us to develop skills in mathematics and science, invent written languages, build great civilizations, learn from the past and plan for the future.
When God breathed the "breath of life" into the first man Adam (Genesis:2:7), He gave him more than physical existence. God imparted to Adam that spiritual and intellectual essence that gives mankind the remarkable capacities of the human mind.
But the apostle Paul reveals that something important is still lacking: "So also no one comprehends what is truly God's except [ by ] the Spirit of God" (1 Corinthians:2:11, New Revised Standard Version). Here Paul is speaking of another Spirit, the Spirit of God.
He continues, "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God" (verse 12, NRSV). Spiritual understanding that surpasses our normal human intellect comes only through the extra help, influence and power of God's Holy Spirit.
"Those who are unspiritual," Paul adds, "do not receive the gifts of God's Spirit, for they are foolishness to them, and they are unable to understand them because they are spiritually discerned" (verse 14, NRSV). We will see that this spiritual link with God is vital in coming to know and experience the purpose of life.
Human life created for a higher purpose
Compared with plant and animal life, human beings are created by God with a spiritual dimension for a much higher purpose. Several scriptures reveal that the reason for human life is preparation for an infinitely higher level of existence, which includesimmortal spirit life.
God created us with the intent that we accept His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ and live forever: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John:3:16).
Jesus stated in prayer to God the Father regarding Himself, "You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him" (John:17:2). God promises to give "eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality" (Romans:2:6-7
). We have the "hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began" (Titus:1:2). Again, this is part of the very reason for human life—that we may ultimately receiveeternal life.
). We have the "hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began" (Titus:1:2). Again, this is part of the very reason for human life—that we may ultimately receiveeternal life.
Summary
God is the Creator and sustainer of life. He created human life on a level different from that of plants and animals to fulfill a far greater purpose. Our lives consist of relationships, goals and experiences that at times are enjoyable, at times difficult. But the ultimate purpose of our lives greatly exceeds merely meeting the needs and fulfilling the pleasures of our daily circumstances
Now that we have briefly considered the meaning of life, we will examine the part death plays in fulfilling the purpose of human life. Why do we die? What happens when we die? What is the hope that lies beyond death?
To be cont'd.
God bless you all.
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