Living With Eternal Purpose: How God’s Plan Shapes Our Lives Now and Forever
- Jack Selcher
- Sep 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Summary
God’s purposes for eternity shape how believers live today. Through Christ’s redemptive work, God is restoring creation and building His kingdom. Each believer is transformed, gifted, and called to serve God’s plan through obedient, loving service, especially within the church. True fulfillment comes from using God-given gifts to glorify Him and advance His kingdom, rather than pursuing self-centered goals, both now and forever.
God’s Purposes: The Here and the Hereafter
God’s purposes for us in the here and the hereafter are interconnected. A farmer plows straight by keeping the tractor pointed at a distant object at the end of the field.
Focusing on Eternity for Present Clarity
Similarly, we gain clarity for the here by focusing on the hereafter. God is working out His purposes in this world (Isa. 46:9b-10). He will fulfill them because He is purposeful, powerful, and good. (Psalm 100:5).
God’s Ultimate Victory and Redemptive Plan
The high-water mark of His goodness and love was sending His Son to be the world’s Savior. That was His checkmate move against the forces of evil, who still continuously resist His purpose.
New Creation and God’s Redeemed Family
God will create new heavens and earth populated by redeemed people who will live with Him, be like Him (Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2), and share His glory. His intentions for His original creation will thereby be gloriously fulfilled.
Christ’s Mission and the Advance of God’s Kingdom
God allowed His Son to bear the world’s sins, suffering, and death in His own body to restore “Eden” at the appointed time. After His resurrection, Jesus commissioned His followers to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20).
God’s kingdom has advanced ever since through the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s Christ-centered family (all who serve, glorify, and enjoy Him) is helping expand it.
Transformation Through Submission to God
While God’s family lives on earth, God transforms them as they submit to His shaping (Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 3:18). Those who are part of His family become progressively more obedient, fruitful, thankful, and grateful to Him.
Created for Good Works and Loving Service
They are God’s works of art shaped progressively to be and do good, motivated by love for Him and others (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14; 3:8; Matthew 22:37-39).
Each person in God’s family has a specific purpose more satisfying than fulfilling their own dreams. God appointed Jeremiah as His prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5).
He called the apostle Paul to preach Jesus among the nations (Galatians 1:15–16). King David served God’s purpose in his generation (Acts 13:36).
Living with Eternal Purpose
God has a plan for each member of His family (Ephesians 2:10). He has given each of them the gifts, abilities, and desires to fulfill that plan. They employ one or more spiritual gifts to glorify God and serve others within and outside the church (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Discerning God’s Will Through Word and Spirit
We discern God’s plan through His word and Spirit for significant decisions. We do not depend on our wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-6).
He gives us the wisdom to apply His word to life’s situations (James 1:5, Hebrews 5:14). We also draw wisdom from godly spiritual leaders. We live by believing more than seeing (2 Corinthians 5:7).
The church and God’s kingdom advance as we exercise our gifts. The gifts of others also minister to us in numerous ways, including wisdom and counsel to discern God’s direction on issues, questions, and challenges.
Fulfillment Through Serving God and His Church
Serving God in His church is a major part of His plan for our lives and the primary source of satisfaction and fulfillment.
We waste our lives when our gifts and abilities remain dormant, or we use them for self-serving purposes instead of serving, glorifying, and enjoying God now and forever. That is the most fulfilling use of our lives in time and eternity.1 See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.
Thomas A. Tarrants
God has empowered me to write His Power for Your Weakness—260 Steps Toward Spiritual Strength. It’s a free, evangelistic, devotional, and discipleship e-book. Pastors have used it in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia to lead 7,590 people to Christ and teach the basics of Christianity to 17,681 people. I invite you to explore and use it in your setting.
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