The atheistic theory of evolution argues that life evolved by chance with no ultimate purpose or plan. The Bible, however, tells us that God created the earth and man with a specific—and awe-inspiring—purpose in mind.

What is that purpose? Israel's King David, when viewing the expanse of the night sky long ago, asked, "What are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them?" (Psalm 8:4, NRSV). Unlike all other creatures, God created man in His own image and likeness (Genesis 1:26). He gave man the ability to have a relationship with Him. Man had the capacity to understand and live by the same spiritual laws God Himself lives by, these being part of His character. Man could grow to become more like God through an intimate relationship with Him.

Our first human parent, Adam, made a fateful choice for the rest of the human race when he tried to find a way of life for himself apart from the intimate relationship God was offering him. We have been groping for meaning ever since.

The awe-inspiring truth is that God is creating a family—the God family. How did Jesus Christ reveal God to His disciples? As "our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9). Jesus tells us to follow the ways of God "that you may be sons of your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:45). The apostle Paul referred to God the Father as "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named" (Ephesians 3:14-15).

God invites us into a father-child relationship with Himself and gives us His Spirit so we can become His children: "But you received the Spirit of sonship . . ." (Romans 8:15, NIV). By this Spirit "we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ" (Romans 8:15-17, King James Version). Jesus Himself is called "the firstborn among many brethren" (Romans 8:29).

After this life, those to whom God gives His Spirit receive eternal life through a resurrection from the dead. "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed—in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality" (1 Corinthians 15:51-53).

Through the resurrection to eternal life God transforms us into glorified and immortal beings, as God Himself is. As 1 John 3:2 tells us, "we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is." Just as human children are the same kind of beings as their human parents and older siblings, so will we ultimately be the same kind of beings as the Father and Christ, sharing their level of existence. This is an astounding truth that very few understand.

God is in the process of creating His own literal family—with children in His very likeness. He will give human beings immortal, divine life, which we will share with Him for eternity. He desires to share with others His eternal existence in the way of life of outflowing love. Indeed, it is because of His love that God brought the universe into existence in the first place. It is because of His love that He gave us a part in it. Life, then, is the result of God's love and His desire to share His love with His immortal family for eternity.

The Bible's revelation of our destiny is far removed from the dark, meaningless view of life offered by atheism and evolution. Life with God in the picture is not something we should rationally oppose. Instead, we should regard it as a cause for rejoicing!

Life without God—and without His promise of eternal life—is empty and hopeless. Life with God is exciting, fulfilling and ultimately rewarding beyond our wildest imagination. (For a deeper understanding of your future as revealed in the Bible, be sure to read our booklets Why Were You Born? and The Gospel of the Kingdom.)