In exploring the purpose of life and longevity, we turn to the sacred scriptures for guidance. The Bible, our timeless source of wisdom, unfolds the purpose behind the gift of life and its spiritual implications.
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul”
Genesis 2:7 KJV
The biblical perspective of longevity begins with the creation of man, emphasizing that God formed him from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. This sacred act bestowed upon man the essence of life, making him a living soul.
This initial mention of “life” and “living” carries a deeper meaning. It signifies the active engagement in the interval between birth and death. As we explore the post texts in Genesis 2 reveals the divine purpose behind the creation of man – cultivating the Garden of Eden.
And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.
Genesis 2:8,15 KJV
God’s intention for man’s life is unveiled as He places him in the garden to dress it and keep it (Genesis 2:8,15 KJV). This symbolic act mirrors the messianic teaching aid, foreshadowing Christ and the church realities.
The Eastward Resurrection:
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
Psalm 103:11-12 KJV
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
The mention of “eastward” in Genesis 2:8 is linked to Jesus’ resurrection, as Psalm 103:11-12 KJV poetically portrays the removal of transgressions “as far as the east is from the west.” The prophet Malachi further reinforces this messianic imagery in an intriguing, but corroborating manner, describing the Sun of righteousness rising with healing in His wings.
But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.
Malachi 4:2 KJV
Interpreting Christ’s Resurrection:
The phrase “fear my name” in messianic context implies “faith in my name“. The phrase “shall the Sun of righteousness arise” speaks of Jesus resurrection. The phrase “with healing in his wings” speaks of the healings (salvation) for sins in Jesus’s resurrection. Isaiah describes it as “by his stripes ye were healed”. (Isa.53:5)
Now, note how Malachi refers to Christ’s resurrection as sunrise, implying Jesus’s death as sunset. The sun only rises from its setting. Also, the sun sets in the WEST and rises in the EAST. This is the allegory in the Psalmist’s messianic perspective. Now, let us see the psalmist prophecy again:
For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.
Psalm 103:11-12 KJV
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Malachi’s reference to Christ’s resurrection as a sunrise and the association with the east and west in Psalm 103:11-12 symbolize the eternal removal of sins through Jesus’ resurrection. This deepens our understanding of the spiritual significance behind the Garden in the east of Eden.
“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed. And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.”
Genesis 2:7-8,15 KJV
From our study so far, we can see that the breath into man’s nostrils speaks of the giving of the Spirit. Adam, put in the garden in the east of Eden upon his formation speaks of purpose – the call to ministry – of the man with the Spirit within.
Salvation, therefore, is the call to ministry for every believer.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 KJV
Purposeful Living
Thus, we see that the purpose of “life” i.e., breath in our lungs is to the end of faith in Christ (the spirit within), and the purpose of “living” in Christ is the work of ministry.
“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:20-21 KJV
A life that is lived outside of Christ no matter how long and well lived, is a life that is lost. Hence, the desire to live long outside of the knowledge and fulfilment of its intent is LUST, which by extension is idolatry.
Longevity in Christ:
Longevity, health, and prosperity take on new meaning in the light of biblical teachings. The believer’s pursuit for a long, healthy and prosperous life is rooted in his desire to fulfill their ministry (Philippians 1:21 KJV).
Our lives are not for our drives, jives and thrives but for that which He has assigned to us. Thus, a life well-lived is not one full of events and activities, but the one that was spent for His cause. Living outside of God’s purpose for you is life abuse—a prolonged existence devoid of its intended meaning.
Conclusion:
The biblical perspective on longevity emphasizes the spiritual depth of life and living. It redirects our focus from mere existence to a purposeful life in Christ, fulfilling the divine call to ministry. May our lives be a testament to His glory and a dedicated service to His cause.
Amen.
To learn more on the essence of health, wealth and longevity to the believer, watch Life Conference 2024