Purpose

Purpose refers both to God's plans, which cannot be thwarted, and to the ends for which people are made. People are created for God's glory and for good works.

God's purposes stand

• Proverbs 19:21
  There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.Many plans are in a man’s heart, but the purpose of the LORD will prevail.
  Show context · Read Proverbs 19 →
• Isaiah 46:10
  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure:I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’
  Show context · Read Isaiah 46 →
• Psalm 33:11
  The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.
  Show context · Read Psalm 33 →
• Ephesians 1:11
  In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will,
  Show context · Read Ephesians 1 →

Created for God's glory

• Isaiah 43:7
  Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.everyone called by My name and created for My glory, whom I have indeed formed and made.”
  Show context · Read Isaiah 43 →
• Colossians 1:16
  For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him.
  Show context · Read Colossians 1 →
• Revelation 4:11
  Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.“Worthy are You, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for You created all things; by Your will they exist and came to be.”
  Show context · Read Revelation 4 →
• 1 Corinthians 10:31
  Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
  Show context · Read 1 Corinthians 10 →

Created for good works

• Ephesians 2:10
  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.
  Show context · Read Ephesians 2 →
• Matthew 5:16
  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
  Show context · Read Matthew 5 →

The whole duty of man

• Ecclesiastes 12:13
  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, because this is the whole duty of man.
  Show context · Read Ecclesiastes 12 →
• Micah 6:8
  He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?
  Show context · Read Micah 6 →
• Matthew 22:37-39
  ³⁷Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.Jesus declared, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸This is the first and great commandment.This is the first and greatest commandment. ³⁹And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
  Show context · Read Matthew 22 →

Called according to his purpose

• Romans 8:28
  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
  Show context · Read Romans 8 →
• 2 Timothy 1:9
  Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.
  Show context · Read 2 Timothy 1 →
• Jeremiah 29:11
  For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope.
  Show context · Read Jeremiah 29 →

See also

• Identity in Christ
• Sovereignty of God
• Work
• Guidance

Notes

1. Verses are quoted in the translation chosen in the Translation menu at the top of the page. See Translations for sources and copyright notices.
2. Each reference links to the full chapter so the verse can be read in context.