What is the chief end of man?
Scripture proofs
The Westminster Assembly's proof texts (KJV). The bracketed numbers in the answer above mark the clause each set of references supports; expand a row to read the verses.
1 Ps. 86:9; Isa. 60:21; Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rev. 4:11
All nations whom thou hast made shall come and worship before thee, O Lord; and shall glorify thy name.
Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
1 Cor. 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
1 Cor. 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
2 Ps. 16:5-11; 144:15; Isa. 12:2; Luke 2:10; Phil. 4:4; Rev. 21:3-4
Ps. 16:5 The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
Ps. 16:6 The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.
Ps. 16:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.
Ps. 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
Ps. 16:9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
Ps. 16:10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Ps. 16:11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Ps. 144:15 Happy is that people, that is in such a case: yea, happy is that people, whose God is the LORD.
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Rev. 21:3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
Rev. 21:4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
This doctrine across the Standards
Where the Confession and the Westminster Larger Catechism treat the same matter, so the question can be studied alongside its parallel statements.
In the Westminster Confession
I.1 Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, …
Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet are they not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation; therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his Church; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the holy Scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God's revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.
→ I.1 · Of the Holy ScriptureIn the Westminster Larger Catechism
Q.1 What is the chief and highest end of man?
Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him forever.
→ Open Q.1Q.2 How doth it appear that there is a God?
The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his word and Spirit only do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.
→ Open Q.2Q.3 What is the word of God?
The holy scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the word of God, the only rule of faith and obedience.
→ Open Q.3Q.5 What do the scriptures principally teach?
The scriptures principally teach, what man is to believe concerning God, and what duty God requires of man.
→ Open Q.5