One of the most intriguing facts in the Bible is the immense lifespans of the patriarchs before and just after the flood.
For instance, Adam the first man, is believed to have lived 930 years, Methuselah the longest lived of the patriarchs lived 969 years.
Noah lived 950 years. Though many scholars say that these extended life spans are nothing more than myths and legends, Christians believe otherwise.
Ancient history states that, there are many factors that could account for the lowering of the life spans after the flood.
As written in Genesis 6:13, the Bible states that the flood would not only destroy the land dwelling air breathing animals but it would also destroy the Earth.
Furthermore, the Bible continues to say that after the flood the Earth was completely different from the earth before.
There were widespread global differences. Scholars have said the changes might include changes in the climate, composition of the atmosphere, hydrologic cycle, geologic features, and cosmic radiation reaching the earth, ozone concentration, ultra violet light, background radiation, genetics, diet, and a host of other subtle or profound chemical and physiological changes. These changes caused a rapid decline of the longevity of post flood humanity.
CCAP reverend Andrew Maere said sin is the sole reason that has caused the drop in age. According to Maere, many people in the Old Testament lived long enough because they served and lived life as prescribed by God.
“Many people in the Bible trusted God and did everything about their life with Him, they consulted. It was this life God was pleased with and that is why they lived long enough, but men of today do not exactly do the will of God and this is now the result,” he said.
Author of Why men in Old Testament lived longer, writes that: “It’s no surprise that today there are more drug and alcohol addictions and abuse than ever before. These sins are known to shorten a person’s life.”
“We know that drinking in excess and drug abuse (being illegal) destroys the brain cells, the liver, and other muscular and neurological systems. These sins cause a person’s life to be taken away in a more rapid sense that the average,” reads the book in part.
Today the average life span of a man is nearing 70 and is close to 75 for women. It is less in less developed nations but longer in other nations that are, paradoxically, less developed.
“Diet, access to alcohol, drugs, and environmental factors are the greatest contributors to human life spans. The correlation is sin shortens life and the sins of man, e.g., in industrial waste, fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, hasten the end of a person’s life,” reads a chapter in part.
Furthermore, Living Waters Church, Pastor Immanuel Chiodzeka, concurs with Maere and says, long life is not only a blessing from God but it is also a promise. According to Chiodzeka, God has promised those who love Him to a long life.
“If you love God and do what he says, then His promises will come true on you, it’s that simple,” he says.
