How Long we Will Live
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The question of human lifespan is addressed in various parts of the Bible, providing insights into both the temporal nature of earthly life and the promise of eternal life. The Scriptures offer a perspective that combines divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the hope of eternity.

Biblical Lifespan

In the early chapters of Genesis, we find accounts of extraordinarily long lifespans. For example, Adam lived 930 years (Genesis 5:5), Methuselah lived 969 years (Genesis 5:27), and Noah lived 950 years (Genesis 9:29). These extended lifespans are characteristic of the antediluvian period, reflecting a different era in human history.

However, after the flood, God declared a more limited lifespan for humanity. Genesis 6:3 states, "Then the LORD said, 'My Spirit will not contend with man forever, for he is mortal; his days shall be 120 years.'" This pronouncement marks a transition to shorter lifespans, aligning with the post-flood genealogies where lifespans gradually decrease.

The Psalmist's Reflection

The Psalms provide further reflection on the brevity of life. Psalm 90, attributed to Moses, poignantly captures this theme: "The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away" (Psalm 90:10). This passage underscores the transient nature of human existence and the inevitability of mortality.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

The Bible emphasizes that the length of one's life is ultimately in God's hands. Job 14:5 states, "Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with You, and You have appointed his limits that he cannot pass." This acknowledgment of divine sovereignty is coupled with an exhortation to live wisely and righteously. Proverbs 3:1-2 advises, "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for they will add length to your days, years and peace to your life."

Eternal Life Through Christ

While the Bible acknowledges the temporal nature of earthly life, it also offers the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This promise of eternal life transcends the limitations of earthly existence and is central to the Christian faith.

The New Testament Perspective

The New Testament reiterates the theme of life’s brevity and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. James 4:14 reminds believers, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This calls for a focus on spiritual priorities and readiness for the life to come.

Conclusion

The Bible presents a comprehensive view of human lifespan, acknowledging both its brevity and the hope of eternity. While earthly life is finite, believers are encouraged to live in a manner that honors God, with the assurance of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
Topical Bible Verses
Matthew 10:29-31
Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.
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Psalm 90:12
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.
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Revelation 22:5
And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God gives them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
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John 10:28
And I give to them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
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Matthew 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
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Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
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Psalm 90:10
The days of our years are three score years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
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Jude 1:7
Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
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Library

The Ten Commandments
... You must honor your father and mother. [So that things will go well for you and
you will live long on earth]. (Exodus 20:12). What does this mean? We must fear ...
/.../luther/the small catechism of martin luther/i the ten commandments.htm

Publishers' Preface to the Second Revised Edition.
... popularity"the book will live"it will be read ... a knowledge of that blessed country,
as we can acquire at ... those dazzling splendors, and our hearts long to be ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/publishers preface to the second.htm

The Right to Live with the People of My Choice
... "You know the Lord is working it all out! We've been praying about it for so long! ...
It will take him several days they say, and your name begins with T.". ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 9 the right to.htm

The Three Essentials of Prayer
... We will be able to make our requests known unto God in that holy place with a clear
mind and a glorified ... It is certainly true that as long as we live in the ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 9 the three essentials.htm

The Right to what I Consider a Normal Standard of Living
... "Just eat it a few times and you will get used ... It won't be long before you really
like it ... ways, other people's customs, other people's standards"do we want to ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 2 the right to.htm

Life on the Top Floor
... You will not agree with me, perhaps, but I have a strong ... and, just as we had the
bodies of animals, we had to ... if I have once had as my ancestors a long race of ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/v life on the top.htm

The Day of Judgment. Extracted from a Sermon by Hugh Latimer ...
... Now as long as we are in this world, we have all ... Well, I pray God grant us such hearts,
that we may look ... of the world." But, to the wicked who will not live ...
/.../the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the day of judgment extracted.htm

Christ Our Life.
... upon the Father all His life long, depending upon ... out His mighty power; and that
very Christ will live out His ... What think you, ought we not to humble ourselves ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/the masters indwelling/vi christ our life.htm

An Address to the Man who is Down
... by microscopic cell, so the new nature is built up by a long series of ... truth, in
which we can live; and the old tenements in which we lived will not only ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/ii an address to the.htm

The Hilltops --Experiences of Gladness and Glory
... circumstances that Paul writes these words: "We who live ... it is possible only for
those who will live the resurrection ... our Lord Jesus had tarried long enough to ...
/.../quiet talks on following the christ/4 the hilltopsexperiences of gladness.htm

Resources
Questions about the Christian Life (All) | GotQuestions.org

How can I overcome the fear of death? How can I stop being scared of dying? | GotQuestions.org

How should I decide how much to tithe? | GotQuestions.org

How: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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