OK so God limited us to live no longer than 120 years, is this a hard line or are people living longer ?

Answer 1

OK for those who didn't know already...it is a very hard line and more proof of the bibles accurate statements.
King James version...(gen.6.3).....

And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man,
for that he also is flesh; yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

the above scripture leaves no room for doubt or speculation
man is limited to 120 years. as far as someone passing this age I doubt it, I have not seen it happen and question that anyone else has.

also....that same scripture (gen.6.3) is very important in other ways...
the fact that it is early in genesis and correct concerning a 120 year measurement of time for mans lifespan. is proof that a year in the creation is exactly a year as it was then and now.

also....for you that don't believe there is life beyond earth..
who else is also flesh and needs GOD's attention as stated in the same verse?

Answer 2

I don't believe this is the length of individual lives, it was to be 120 years till the end of humanity before the flood of Noah. PS, I think you are stuck on this apparent contradiction. God is not saying that from then on people won't live past 120 years of age, he was saying then, in the time of Noah, that mankind had exactly 120 years to repent or he was going to drown them all. They didn't, He did, and we are all now descendents of Noah, whether we live 50 years or 150 years, and in no way is the Bible wrong here in your worrisome passage. PPS, In answer to you newer question about why after the flood our ages declined, there is a plausable explanation. One answer is that we have come a long way in our fallen humanity and the corruption of our DNA and the effect of sin on mankind has taken its toll. Our bodies just can't stay healthy enough to live as long a Methusalah, yet there have been times where we seem to not live very long at all, like in our recent past where 50 was old age, till now with the help of medicine and better nutrition we are averaging upwards of 70-80. My own granny died one month before 90! But the other answer is that when the flood happened, the vapor shield around the earth was collapsed, thus letting in far more of the harmful rays of the sun than ever before. We aren't meant to take the intense effect of solar radiation, and so our entire species has decreased in life span. Anyway, that is how the theory goes, it makes sense, and it is a plausable answer. We will never know all the facts this side of heaven, but if we can answer reasonably, we need to continue defending Scripture, because it is God's Word, and God does not lie or make mistakes. And keep asking questions! God did give us a mind to think with. Peace.

Answer 3

This is not about a god it's about the human body wearing out. 100 years ago people were lucky to live to 50. 200 years ago living over 40 was a pretty good goal. 500 years ago people usually dies in their 30's most of the time.

Medical science will have us living past 120 within the next 100 years.

Answer 4

The expected life span at this time is around 70-80.
So 120 is quite a bit. Jeanne Calment however died
at 122. And this is not a closely monitored list. There
might be others as well. With the relative safety of
the U.S. in the past 100 years I'm relatively sure the
U.S. will break the 130 within the next two decades.

Answer 5

I wonder where you got this information. I've never heard of a 120 year limit before. In any case, the Bible says lots of people have lived longer than that, and I wouldn't be surprised if there are people out there right now who are older. They must not live in the US, though. The fast food would kill them.

Answer 6

The Bible tells us 75 years is a lifetime.
But it also tells us it is possible to live to a good old age.
I do not like to see raised expectations for older people though....there are some who think that just because people live longer, their working years should be extended and their youth lasts longer.
The fact is many people die young....none of us knows how long we'll be here.

Answer 7

Check out gen 6:1-8, where God says, "“My spirit will not remain in humankind indefinitely, since they are mortal. They will remain for 120 more years.” This is where it is belived that God intends man to live 120 years.

Answer 8

"The longest unambiguously documented lifespan is that of Jeanne Calment of France (1875–1997), who was aged 122 years. She met Vincent van Gogh when aged 14. This led to her being noticed by the media in 1988, at age 113. Subsequent investigation found that her life was documented in the records of her native city of Arles beyond reasonable question. "
-wikipedia

I don't know where in the bible it says only 120 years, but if it does, the bible is wrong.

Answer 9

Since a long time ago no one has lived past 120. The longest IS 120. Then they die. It has never been broken. God's word is true and it stays.

Answer 10

Odd, my Bible says nothing about how long people can live. So, it's definitely NOT a hard line.