…who we are,
…why we are here, and
…where we go when we leave this place.
Who we are: We are human beings who have been made in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). God formed the first man, Adam, out of the dust of the earth, and then breathed into his nostrils the breath of life “and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). Our bodies are made of the earth, and they go back to dust at death (Genesis 3:19). But our spirit lives beyond death (Matthew 10:28; Luke 16:22). After death the spirit “returns to God” (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Why we are here: God created us to be children in His royal family (Ephesians 1:5). As such, God gives us work to do for Him. All things (including humans) were made “by Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). God should be our greatest love: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). God gives to each person “his assigned task” (Mark 13:34). We give glory to God by finishing the work He gives us to do (John 17:4; 4:34; 2 Timothy 4:6-7). And so, like early Christians, we should “be for the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:12; Philippians 1:20).
Where we go: The Bible speaks only of two possible places after death, when this life and time have ended. One is called Heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1; 2 Timothy 4:18), a place of joy and peace and happiness. It is where the saved live with God (John 14:1-3).
There is also a place called Hell (Matthew 5:29; 10:28). It is a place of pain and sorrow. All who put other things above God and His will must be punished there forever (Matthew 25:41; Revelation 20:8).
If we belong to Christ, He takes us to Heaven, to live with Him forever. If we leave Him in life, Hell will be our fiery home. “If we endure, we will also reign (rule) with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us.” (2 Timothy 2:12).