As we move forward on Mission to love God and make him known in the city I find it good to look into the traditions and thoughts of those who have come before us. What is our purpose? What are we to do with our lives? Why do we exist in person and as the church? All valid questions fitting to us today.
The Following are the first two questions and answers from the Westminster Shorter Catechism completed in 1647 to answer some of these pressing thoughts annd give guidance to Christians in knowing their identity and living their purpose.
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, [a] and to enjoy him for ever. [b]
[a]. Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; I Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11
[b]. Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4
Q. 2. What rule hath God given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him?
A. The Word of God, which is contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, [a] is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. [b]
[a]. Matt. 19:4-5 with Gen. 2:24; Luke 24:27, 44; I Cor. 2:13; 14:37;
II Pet.1:20-21; 3:2, 15-16
[b]. Deut. 4:2; Ps. 19:7-11; Isa. 18:20; John 15:11; 20:30-31; Acts 17:11;
II Tim. 3:15-17; I John 1:4
Taken from Westminster Shorter Catechism
