Topical Bible: Man: Has an Appointed Time on the Earth

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The concept that man has an appointed time on earth is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, reflecting the transient nature of human life and the sovereignty of God over the lifespan of individuals. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing both the brevity and purpose of human existence.

Biblical Foundation

The idea that human life is finite and predetermined by God is explicitly stated in the Book of Job. Job, in his discourse on the human condition, declares, "Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure" (Job 14:1-2). This passage highlights the ephemeral nature of life, likening it to a flower that blooms briefly before fading.

Further, Job acknowledges the divine determination of human lifespan: "Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed" (Job 14:5). This verse underscores the belief that God has sovereignly ordained the duration of each person's life, setting boundaries that cannot be surpassed.

The Sovereignty of God

The sovereignty of God over human life is a recurring theme in Scripture. The psalmist echoes this sentiment, stating, "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be" (Psalm 139:16). This verse affirms that God has foreknowledge and control over the entirety of a person's life, from conception to death.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this understanding in his address to the Athenians: "From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands" (Acts 17:26). Here, Paul emphasizes that God not only determines the lifespan of individuals but also orchestrates the times and places of their existence.

Human Life and Divine Purpose

The appointed time of man on earth is not merely a reflection of life's brevity but also of divine purpose. The Scriptures teach that each person's life is imbued with meaning and intention. The prophet Jeremiah records God's words: "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope" (Jeremiah 29:11). This assurance of divine purpose provides comfort and direction, affirming that human life, though limited, is significant in God's overarching plan.

The Brevity of Life

The brevity of human life is a theme that calls for wisdom and reflection. The psalmist prays, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). This prayer acknowledges the shortness of life and the need for discernment in how one lives. The New Testament echoes this call to wisdom, urging believers to "make the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil" (Ephesians 5:16).

Conclusion

The biblical teaching that man has an appointed time on earth serves as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the sovereignty of God. It calls individuals to live with purpose, wisdom, and an awareness of the divine orchestration of their days. Through this understanding, believers are encouraged to trust in God's plan and to live faithfully within the time allotted to them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 7:1
Is there not an appointed time to man on earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sign for Man and the Remembrancer for God
... to and honours the appeal made to Him, by that which He has Himself appointed for
a ... The expectant eyes of the trustful man and the eye of God meet, as ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the sign for man and.htm

At this Time He Received a Letter from Pope Boniface Exhorting Him ...
... AT this time he received a letter from Pope ... with hands, seeing that Almighty God
has appointed you to ... and through many generations, from the first man whom he ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap x at this time.htm

But as to those who Think that not Here...
... by us all, has confession been appointed to be made ... prescribing that confession by
men likewise has to be ... men but the inhabitants of the earth, man himself even ...
/.../tertullian/scorpiace antidote for the scorpions sting/chapter x but as to.htm

The Limitations of Earth's Great Week.
... the ages" (Heb.1:2-Greek) has appointed symmetrical lines ... from Adam to Christ was
just that length of time. ... Lazarus not only represented the natural man in his ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/9 the limitations of earths.htm

"She Hath done what She Could. "
... It has been a backward spring, and we shall have a ... The man had a wooden last in his
hand, and he ... his promise, but she was there at the appointed time, and he ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter vii she hath done.htm

When Christ visited us in his Grace, He did not Come to what did ...
... spiritual and invisible man, for a spirit has not bones ... which the Lord became] an
actual man, consisting of ... there, shall rise at their appointed time, the Word ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter ii when christ visited us.htm

What is Man?
... and ten." This is the general standard which God hath now appointed. ... thy fingers,
the moon and the stars which thou has ordained, What is man, that thou ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 103 what is man.htm

Of the Constant Falsehood of the Devil, and of the Powers and ...
... as calls men into existence are kings also appointed, adapted for ... and showing him
to be an apostate, has, on the contrary, put him under the power of man. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiv of the constant falsehood.htm

The Second vision "On Earth"
... the rocks: Every city is forsaken, And not a man dwelleth therein.". ... judgment, but
the preparation for the particular moment which has been appointed by God ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the second vision on earth.htm

The Sermon of the Seasons
... it has but little changed towards God. ... "God hath appointed a day in the which he
will judge the world in righteousness by the man Christ Jesus." An hour is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the sermon of the seasons.htm