The Search for Purpose: Intimacy with God

Our ultimate purpose is clear and deeply transformative: we were created for intimacy with God. This truth transcends achievements, talents, or status, pointing to a relationship with the Creator as the core of our existence. Drawing from Scripture, this article explores how humanity lost its connection with God, His redemptive plan through Jesus Christ, and the invitation to a life-changing relationship with Him. Through these insights, you’ll discover how intimacy with God fulfills our deepest needs and reveals the true essence of eternal life.

This is eternal life that they may know you the only true God and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.

At the heart of our creation lies a purpose far more significant than our individual talents or achievements. We were created for a relationship – an intimate connection with our Creator. This truth is beautifully encapsulated in Colossians 1:16-17, which tells us that all things were created through Christ and for Christ. Every aspect of creation, from the visible to the invisible, from earthly thrones to heavenly powers, was brought into being with this ultimate purpose.

But how did we lose sight of this divine intention? The story begins in a garden, with a tree and a choice. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, communed perfectly with God until a cunning serpent introduced doubt into their hearts. This wasn’t just any serpent but the vessel through which Lucifer, the fallen angel, spoke his deceptions.

Lucifer’s story is a cautionary tale of pride and misplaced identity. Once the most resplendent of all created beings, Lucifer was described in Ezekiel 28 as the “seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.” His voice was unparalleled, producing harmonies that could make the heavens weep. Yet, this very perfection became his downfall. Lucifer began to admire his own reflection more than the glory of his Creator. His heart was lifted up because of his beauty, and he corrupted his wisdom for the sake of his splendour.

Evil originated with Lucifer who rebelled against the government of God. Before his fall, he was a covering cherub. He stood in the presence of God and covered the throne of God. He was distinguished by his excellence, excellence in every single sphere that he participated in.

In his pride, Lucifer sought to elevate himself above God, declaring, “I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God” (Isaiah 14:13). This act of rebellion shattered the harmony of heaven and led to Lucifer’s expulsion. No longer the bringer of light, he became Satan, the adversary bent on destroying the intimate relationship between God and His creation.

This fallen being whispered lies to Eve, promising hidden knowledge and godlike status. In believing these deceptions, Adam and Eve broke their trust in God and, with it, the intimate communion they once enjoyed. Sin entered the world, and humanity found itself separated from its Creator.

Yet, God’s love for humanity did not wane even in this fallen state. Psalm 103 reminds us, “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” God set in motion a plan to restore the broken relationship in His infinite mercy.

This plan culminated in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus bridged the chasm that sin had created between God and humanity. As 1 Corinthians 6:20 declares, “You were bought at a price.” This price was the very life of God’s Son, offered freely out of love for His wayward creation.

But what exactly is this restored relationship meant to look like? Jesus Himself provides the answer in His prayer recorded in John 17:3: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” The Greek word used for “know” here is ‘ginosko,’ which implies intimate, experiential knowledge. It’s the same word used to describe the intimate union between a husband and wife. This profound truth reveals that eternal life is not merely about duration but about the quality of our relationship with God. It’s about knowing Him deeply, intimately, and personally, inspiring hope and a sense of beauty in the audience.

This profound truth reveals that eternal life is not merely about duration but the quality of our relationship with God. It’s about knowing Him deeply, intimately, and personally. This relationship is built on trust, echoing the faith of those who believe without seeing and who take God at His word even when circumstances seem to contradict it.

The beauty of this invitation to intimacy is that it’s extended to all, regardless of our past or present condition. Romans 5:8-10 reminds us that Christ died for us “while we were still sinners” and that we were reconciled to God “when we were enemies.” This reconciliation opens the door to a life-transforming relationship with the Creator of the universe.

Imagine for a moment the most admired person in your life – a leader, an artist, a thinker. Now imagine that person wanting to be your closest friend. As thrilling as that might be, it pales in comparison to the reality that the King of the universe, the One who holds all things together by the word of His power, desires intimate fellowship with you.

This desire for intimacy is beautifully illustrated in the marriage analogy found in Ephesians 5. Just as a husband and wife become “one flesh,” we are also invited into a profound union with Christ. It’s a mystery that speaks to God’s love for His church and people.

In light of this incredible truth, we’re faced with a choice. Will we, like Lucifer, become enamoured with our reflections and seek to elevate ourselves? Or will we embrace the purpose for which we were created – intimate fellowship with our Creator?

The invitation stands: to know God, trust Him, and experience the life-giving relationship He offers. This is not about religious ritual or mere intellectual assent. It’s about a living, breathing relationship with the One who knows us better than we know ourselves, who thinks of us more often than there are grains of sand on the seashore.

We were created through Christ and for Christ. We were created for intimacy with God. Satan destroyed that intimacy and God has come to restore that by getting us to trust him.

As we navigate the complexities of life, may we never lose sight of this fundamental truth: we were created for intimacy with God. In this relationship, we find our true purpose, deepest fulfilment, and the eternal life Jesus promised. Let us then approach God with open hearts, ready to trust, ready to know, and ready to experience the transformative power of His love, empowering and uplifting the audience.

In the end, it’s not about what we do but about who we know. In knowing God, we find everything we were created to be.