November 9, 2026
Jesus said from the cross, “It is finished.” We do not know exactly what was finished, but he may have meant, at least in part, that his earthly ministry was over. With that, his reason for being on earth had been fulfilled. But as monumental as it was that the Son of God’s life on earth had ended, this did not mean that Jesus Christ was over.
Jesus’ words from the cross included a promise to one of the two men being crucified alongside him: he would be with Jesus in paradise that very day. The man was assured that another life awaited him. Jesus offered the same assurance of life beyond earthly life to people as he preached and moved through the world.
I invite you to reflect on this question: When Jesus uttered the words “It is finished,” did he mean that his purpose had been fulfilled—that the meaning of his existence was wholly and completely accomplished? Personally, I think he meant that only his ministry on earth was finished. It was a ministry that offered people a direct relationship with God through him. This understanding eventually changed the world.
Though Jesus’ earthly destiny had been fulfilled, it was part of a greater divine purpose that existed before his birth and continues today. Jesus made it clear that he and the Father were always one, even before the world was created, and that he would return to heaven after his life on earth. He also made it clear that death was not the end of his existence—or ours. If we believe this, then the work and life of Christ Jesus continue even as we reflect right now. The Christ, in whatever way we conceive of or experience him, is available to love us, walk with us, and heal us.
But let’s take this line of reasoning a small step further. Do you and I still have a purpose after our bodies are no longer alive? On one level, our purpose here on earth is complete when our bodies die. On another level, our souls will continue, just as Jesus said to one of the two men crucified beside him: “Today you will be with me in paradise.”
Surely, if we continue as souls, it stands to reason that we will have a purpose—possibly the same purpose our souls have now, which we are working to fulfill, at least in part, while we are here on earth. The full extent of our soul’s purpose is something of a mystery. It is far greater than our life here. It involves the entire destiny of the soul God created from the beginning. Who, in an earthly mind, body, and heart, can comprehend the entirety of the soul’s purpose? But we can try to comprehend as much of it as we can absorb.
We do not know what the other realm looks like or what its conditions will be. We do not know what our soul’s mission will be on the other side. Scripture gives us glimpses of that realm’s beauty and majesty. We also have accounts from people who survived close encounters with death—accounts that speak of heaven’s infinite majesty. Yet none of this can be proved by scientific standards.
But one thing is central to Christian faith: if we take Jesus’ words seriously—if we believe them—the soul continues. And in that continuance, it must have a “why,” just as we have a “why” here on earth. If our life as a soul continues in heaven, I believe we will be living out its “why” in the life beyond.
Just think: our life here may be only a small fraction of our soul’s life and a small portion of the larger purpose God created for us. The mystery is great, and infinitely exciting.
Yes, we are much more than our personality.
Spiritual Practice
Reflect on whether your life is finished when you are no longer on earth.
Inquiry
What aspect of your soul’s larger purpose might you already sense?
Prayer
Dear God,
Open me to my wider purpose and tell me my nature and my name.
Amen
