Understanding the Purpose of Human Life Through a Biblical Worldview
March 4, 2025
A clear understanding of the purpose of human life is essential for students, as it shapes not only their beliefs but also their behaviors and attitudes. Christian educators, in particular, have a unique opportunity to help students understand their purpose through the lens of a biblical worldview. A mature biblical worldview enables students to grasp their identity as created beings with a divine purpose, while also challenging them to live in alignment with God’s plan.
Through the 3-Dimensional Worldview Survey (3DWS), educators can assess and cultivate this worldview, enabling students to evaluate their beliefs, behaviors, and heart orientation. By using this tool, educators gain insights that are crucial for fostering a biblical worldview in the classroom.
The Foundation of a Biblical Understanding of Life’s Purpose
In the beginning, God created humans in His image, as outlined in Genesis 1:26-27. This verse reveals that humans are not mere accidents of nature but have been deliberately designed by God for a divine purpose. Isaiah 43:7 further confirms this purpose, stating that people were created for God’s glory. Life, therefore, is not about individual achievement or self-fulfillment but about reflecting the image of God and bringing Him glory. Romans 8:28-30 extends this understanding, describing how God’s plan for human life includes our transformation into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. Revelation 4:11 reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to worship and glorify God.
These foundational scriptures establish that human life is to be lived for God’s glory, with a clear sense of purpose beyond ourselves. This biblical understanding challenges secular, human-centered views of existence and redirects the focus onto God and His sovereign will.
Living Out Our Purpose: A 3-Dimensional Approach to Worldview
A biblical worldview is not just about knowing the truth; it is about living it out in every area of life. This is where the 3-Dimensional Worldview framework comes in, providing a holistic approach to understanding and cultivating a biblical worldview in students.
First, propositional beliefs form the foundation. These beliefs are the truths that God has revealed about the purpose of human life. What does God say about who we are and why we exist? Colossians 1:16-17 clarifies that all things, including human beings, were created by Christ and for Christ.
Next, everyday behaviors demonstrate how we live out our purpose. According to 1 Corinthians 10:31, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This verse encapsulates the idea that all actions, even mundane ones, should reflect our understanding of God’s purpose for us.
Finally, heart orientation plays a crucial role in living a biblical worldview. How we feel, desire, and prioritize in our hearts profoundly impacts our ability to follow God’s purpose. When our hearts are aligned with God’s will, we are motivated to live for Him, not just in our actions but in our attitudes and motivations as well.
Comparing Worldview Perspectives on the Purpose of Human Life
There are several worldviews that offer alternative views on the purpose of human life, each with its own perspective on meaning and fulfillment.
Naturalism / Secular Humanism: In these worldviews, the purpose of human life is grounded in self-fulfillment and the pursuit of happiness. There is no divine purpose; instead, human beings are seen as autonomous individuals responsible for creating their own meaning. Psalm 14:1 points out that “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” Without a recognition of God, any purpose for life is ultimately self-centered and transient. Ecclesiastes 2:24 reminds us, however, that true satisfaction can only be found in recognizing that everything comes from God.
Pantheism / New Age: Pantheistic and New Age worldviews suggest that the purpose of life is spiritual evolution toward union with a higher consciousness or divine essence. In these perspectives, the self is seen as an illusion, and the goal is to transcend material existence. Isaiah 44:6 affirms that God alone is the first and the last, and all creation is subject to His sovereign will. Romans 8:19-21 emphasizes that creation itself longs for the revelation of God’s children and their fulfillment of His purpose.
Theism / Biblical Christianity: In biblical Christianity, human life has a clear and purposeful design. God created humanity in His image (Genesis 1:26-27), and our ultimate purpose is to glorify Him by loving Him and loving others (Matthew 22:37-39). As we live out this purpose, we reflect God’s character and advance His kingdom on earth. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s workmanship, created for good works that He has prepared for us.
The Challenge for Christian Educators: Measuring and Mentoring a Biblical Worldview
Christian educators are often tasked with the challenging responsibility of measuring and mentoring students toward a biblical worldview. This task requires more than simply imparting information; it involves assessing how deeply students internalize the truths of God’s Word and how those truths influence their beliefs, behaviors, and heart orientation.
Matthew 22:37-39 highlights the need to engage the whole person—heart, soul, and mind—in loving God. This holistic approach requires educational tools that allow educators to assess not only students’ beliefs but also how those beliefs shape their actions and attitudes. The 3DWS provides such a tool, helping educators understand the spiritual maturity of their students and identifying areas for growth.
The Role of Educators in Fostering a Biblical Worldview in Students
The role of Christian educators extends beyond the classroom, as they are also called to mentor students in spiritual formation. Philippians 2:13 affirms that God works in students to fulfill His good purpose, and it is the responsibility of educators to help guide them toward maturity in Christ. Ecclesiastes 12:13 calls all people to “fear God and keep His commandments,” an essential part of living out one’s purpose. John 10:10 reminds us that Jesus came to give us abundant life, and this thriving life comes from a relationship with God that is nurtured by teachers and mentors.
Educators can create environments where students are encouraged to grow spiritually, intellectually, and emotionally, supporting them as they navigate the complexities of life through a biblical lens.
Measuring the Health of a Student’s Worldview: A Tool for Christian Educators
Assessing the health of a student’s worldview is crucial for Christian educators who want to see their students develop into mature followers of Christ. The 3DWS offers a comprehensive assessment of students’ beliefs, behaviors, and heart orientation, providing valuable insights into their spiritual and intellectual development. Acts 17:26-28 reminds us that God has determined the times and places for people to live, and understanding where students are spiritually is essential to helping them mature in their faith.
Now What?
Once educators assess their students’ worldviews, the next step is taking action. The 3DWS serves as a valuable tool for identifying gaps in students’ understanding and providing targeted mentorship to help them grow in their biblical worldview. For those looking for a practical starting point, our free PDF, the “10 Questions to Understand Student Worldview,” offers a simple and effective way for educators to begin assessing and guiding their students toward a biblical worldview.
If you are ready to assess your students’ worldview and spiritual maturity, consider using the 3DWS in your school. This holistic tool will give you a clearer picture of where your students stand and how you can best support their spiritual growth.
What Is the 3-D Worldview Survey?
- Take the 3-D Worldview for yourself
If you haven’t yet used the 3DWS with your class, check out the free PDF below to get started.
3 Key Takeaways
- The Purpose of Human Life Is Rooted in God’s Design. A biblical worldview teaches that human life is not about self-fulfillment but about glorifying God. Scripture affirms that people are created in His image (Genesis 1:26-27) and are meant to reflect His character and purposes in the world.
- A Biblical Worldview Must Be Lived Out in Beliefs, Behaviors, and Heart Orientation. True faith goes beyond intellectual knowledge—it influences how we think, act, and feel. The 3D Worldview framework emphasizes that a biblical worldview is holistic, shaping not only what students believe but also how they live and what they love.
- Christian Educators Play a Vital Role in Mentoring Students’ Worldviews. Teachers have the responsibility of not just imparting knowledge but also guiding students toward spiritual maturity. The 3DWS is a valuable tool that helps educators assess students’ worldview development and identify areas where growth is needed.
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