Why We Exist
The Ultimate Goal
We exist for one reason: God’s glory. This is the ultimate purpose of all things (Ps 96; 115; Isa 42:8; Rom 11:36; Rev 4:8-11). In His glory, he has chosen to create and gather to himself a group of people in His eternal kingdom, who will worship the Triune God forever and through whom He will display glory. His glory includes Israel (Isa 43:7, 49:3) and the church (1 Pet 4:11) and is inseparably linked to redemption (Eph 1:12-14) and the exaltation of His son Jesus Christ—Priest, Prophet, and King (Eph 1:20; Phil 2:9; Psalm 2). In redemption, regenerate man receives the desire and ability to worship God in everything through the finished work of Jesus (2 Cor 3:18–4:6; 1 Cor 10:31). Thus, the church was established to worship God through the person of the Holy Spirit by exalting Jesus Christ for the Father’s eternal glory.
True worship can only proceed from an accurate understanding of God acquired from a correct interpretation of the Scriptures (John 4:24; Col 3:16–17; 2 Tim 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:19–21). The Bible is the primary means to glorify God. Therefore, the church must explain God’s truth for true worship (Eph 3:21; 1 Tim 3:15). Likewise, the church must continue to entrust this important message to future teachers and leaders to ensure a Godly legacy of faithfulness for God’s eternal glory (2 Tim 2:2, 4:10–15; Titus 1:9). This demands God’s word directs and protects every endeavor of the church including the corporate gathering of believers each Lord’s Day (Heb 12:28). In a clear explanation of God’s truth, all believers are edified and equipped for ministry within and outside of the church (Eph 2:10, 4:11–16; Col 3:15–17; Matt 28:19–20). The church can encourage and exhort each other as well as evangelize the lost. Deceitful teachers and divisive ideologies will arise to undermine the authority of God’s word and the centrality of God’s glory (Acts 20:29-30; Col 2:8; 2 Pet 3:17). But, the church must resist (1 Tim 3:3–7; 2 Cor 10:3–6).
This is why we exist:
TO EXALT We exist to exalt our Savior, Jesus Christ. For, the worship of our Triune God begins with the exaltation of His Son (Rev 4:8–11; 5:6-14; Phil 2:9-11; Heb 12:3). Jesus redeems, guides, and prepares the church through His work and word (Acts 20:28; Eph 5:25–29). The church proclaims, obeys, and grows in His work and word (Matt 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; 1 Cor 1:17–2:5; Col 1:18). Therefore, the exaltation of the Lord Jesus Christ must guide the direction of the church (Col 1:16, 28; 2 Pet 3:18). Every ministry of the church must seek to serve, exist, and mature in such a way that the excellences of Christ are seen and heard in everything (Rev 1:4–8; Col 3:17; 1 Pet 4:8-11). This will be accomplished as the church worships Christ (Rev 5:6-14), serves sacrificially with the mind of Christ (Phil 2:1–8; Matt 20:26–28), and lives obediently to the glory of Christ (2 Thess 1:11–12).
TO EXPLAIN We exist to explain the Word of God. The Bible is the very oracle of God and the ultimate source of truth (1 These 2:13; John 17:17). Therefore, God has spoken clearly (Num 23:19). The Scriptures are without error (Ps 19:7-9), completely infallible (John 10:35), and supremely sufficient in everything written (2 Pet 1:3–4; 2 Tim 3:16–17; Prov 30:5–6). Thus, the Word serves as the solid foundation for the life and mission of the church (2 Pet 1:19–21): promoting her duty (Matt 28:18–20), propelling her purity (Eph 5:26–27), protecting her testimony (1 Pet 2:12), and proclaiming her validity in the world (2 Tim 4:1–5). Therefore, a clear explanation—exegetically, thematically, and systematically—alongside a relevant and practical application of God’s word will ground her motives and guard her ministry to the glory of God (1 Tim 3:15).
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TO ENTRUST We exist to entrust the Word of God to faithful teachers and leaders. God desires the explanation of His word to be guarded as ignorant and false teachers will arise to mislead His church (Acts 20:25–35; 1 Tim 1:3–7). Poor leadership degrades proper worship (Hosea 4:9; Exod 32:21–29; Num 25:10–13; Prov 29:18). So, the church must prepare faithful elders, deacons, and other leaders to faithfully protect and proclaim God’s word in every ministry for His glory (2 Tim 2:2; 1 Tim 1:3; Titus 1:5). Therefore, God’s glory demands Godly leadership.
TO EDIFY We exist to edify the church. Edification ensures the saints understand the explanation of God’s word. This is a progressive process of spiritual growth in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ and His word (2 Peter 3:17–18). This process is essential to the life and ministry of every believer in the unity of the faith (Acts 20:32; Eph 4:11-16; 1 Thess 5:11; Eph 4:29; 1 Cor 14:12, 26). God intends His people to grow in the knowledge of Him in the local church (Col 3:15–18). Ultimately, edification is for His glory as His people obey Him and sacrifice for each other (2 Thess 1:5-12; Heb 10:24-25; Phil 2:3-4). Therefore, a well-edified church protects and propels the glory of God.
TO EQUIP We exist to equip God’s people for service. Godly leaders and a healthy church will always seek to equip the saints to serve (Eph 4:11-12; Eph 2:10). This can occur both formally and informally as well as personally and corporately in word and deed (Matt 28:19-20; Acts 20:20; 2 Tim 2:2; 1 Thess 4:18; 1 Pet 5:1-3; Acts 20:20; 1 Tim 4:12, 15-16; 2 Tim 3:10-11). Likewise, this practical preparation “for ministry” is linked to the actual, real-life work of ministry (Rom 1:3-8). Therefore, equipping believers strengthens one’s spiritual growth and giftedness for the good of the church (Eph 4:16) and the glory of God (1 Pet 4:10-11).
TO EVANGELIZE We exist to evangelize the lost. A clear explanation of God’s word is not just for the church—it's for everyone. God commands we take the good news of the Lord Jesus Christ to the lost, both locally and globally (Matt 28:19-20). Evangelism is a critical part of the church’s existence and is propelled by the glory and worship of God (Jn 17:17-18; 20:21; Rom 11:36; Eph 3:21; 1 Pet 2:9-12). For, He desires His name to be great among the nations (Ps 67; 117:1-2; 2 Cor 4:15). Therefore, biblical evangelism is not about securing decisions for Christ. Instead, the mission strives, under the sovereign grace of God, to see a genuine transformation—a lifelong disciple, follower, and worshiper of Christ for God’s glory (Jn 1:12-13; 6:44; Acts 13:48; Titus 3:5-7; James 1:18; Col 1:12-14; Lk 9:23-27).