The Bible does not explicitly state a maximum age limit for human life, but it provides some clues that suggest there is a limit ordained by God. Here is an overview of what the Bible says about longevity and aging:
Humans were created mortal
Genesis 2:7 states that Adam was formed from the dust of the ground and became a “living soul” after God breathed the breath of life into him. This implies that humans were not created innately immortal. Our mortal bodies age and decay over time (Genesis 3:19).
Lifespans before and after the Flood
Prior to the Flood, some patriarchs lived for centuries: Adam lived 930 years (Genesis 5:5), Seth lived 912 years (Genesis 5:8), Enosh lived 905 years (Genesis 5:11). Methuselah was the oldest at 969 years (Genesis 5:27). But after the Flood, lifespans quickly declined. Abraham lived 175 years (Genesis 25:7), Isaac lived 180 years (Genesis 35:28), Jacob lived 147 years (Genesis 47:28). By Moses’ time, 70 to 80 years was considered a full lifespan (Psalm 90:10).
This suggests God ordained lifespans to be much shorter after the Flood. Some propose that changes in environment and genetics after the Flood contributed to shortened lives.
God sets the boundaries of life
The book of Job states that God has set boundaries on human life that cannot be exceeded: “You have decided the length of our lives. You know how many months we will live, and we are not given a minute longer” (Job 14:5). Psalm 139:16 indicates God determined the days allotted to us before we were born.
This implies our lifespan is not open-ended, but fixed within appointed limits set by God. Lifespans may vary (some live longer than others), but there is an outer limit ordained by the Creator.
Old age leads to natural decay and death
The Bible uses emotive language to depict the afflictions of old age that ultimately lead to death: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, ‘I find no pleasure in them’” (Ecclesiastes 12:1). Verses 2-7 describe declining vitality, sensory losses, restricted mobility, etc.
While modern medicine prolongs active life, it cannot prevent the natural progression of aging toward decay and death. Scientific estimates put the maximum human lifespan at around 115-120 years due to biological limitations.
Eternal life comes through Christ alone
The Bible says the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), but Jesus Christ came to destroy the power of death and open the way to eternal life for those who put their faith in Him (2 Timothy 1:10; John 3:16). Believers will one day inherit imperishable, immortal bodies and be with the Lord forever (1 Corinthians 15:50-57).
But apart from Christ, eternal lifespans on earth are not biologically possible. Even the healthiest lifestyle allows us to live robustly only within our mortal limits.
God maintains control over the timing of our death
Several passages indicate that God maintains sovereignty over the timing of our death. King David stated his life and destiny were fully in God’s hands (Psalm 31:15). King Hezekiah was granted 15 more years of life when he cried out to the Lord (2 Kings 20:6). Paul said whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8). Ecclesiastes 8:8 states that no one has control over their time of death.
These verses imply our lifespan has boundaries determined by God. We can have abundant life within those limits, but only He controls the precise timing of our mortality.
Death ushers all people into God’s presence
Hebrews 9:27 states “…man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Death is the doorway that every mortal person must pass through to stand before their Creator. Some verses depict death as “going to be with the fathers” (Genesis 47:30) or being “gathered to your people” (Genesis 49:33).
In God’s providence, He has appointed a time for each person’s judgment when their mortal life will cease and their eternal destiny will be sealed, based on if they accepted Christ or rejected Him.
Christ’s return will inaugurate immortal life for believers
1 Corinthians 15:51-55 describes what will happen when Jesus returns. Those who belong to Christ but have died will be resurrected and their perishable bodies will be raised as imperishable. Christians who are alive at Christ’s return will be instantly “changed” and clothed with immortal bodies.
Through faith in Christ, believers will experience victory over sin and its consequence of bodily death. His return will usher them into their eternal state of immortality.
Some key biblical distinctions about death and eternal life:
- Death is ordained for mortal humans, while eternal life through Christ is gifted to believers by God’s grace.
- Fallen humanity experiences deteriorating mortality leading to physical death.
- Redeemed believers will experience transformed immortality and abundant resurrection life.
- Death seals the earthly fate of all people, while eternal life reveals the heavenly hope of Christians.
- To be mortal means our lifespan is constrained, while immortality means endless life through oneness with Christ.
In summary:
The Bible indicates that God has set a limit to human longevity. Pre-Flood patriarchs lived for centuries, but lifespans rapidly declined after the Flood. God determines and bounds our lifespan according to His purposes. While medical advancements are lengthening active lifespans, biological immortality is not possible. The universal experience of decline and death remind us of our mortality. Only Christ overcomes death and grants eternal life to those who place their faith in Him. When He returns, believers will inherit imperishable, immortal bodies and live in God’s presence forever.