Biblical Answer

The Relationship Between Sin and Longevity

The idea that people lived longer in the early Bible because they sinned less is a simplistic view that does not accurately reflect the biblical teaching on sin. The biblical account suggests that sin is a breach or rupture of relations between the sinner and God, and that it is self-destructive. The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23), indicating that sin has a direct and literal consequence. This view is reinforced by the biblical teaching that sin is not merely a moral failing, but a spiritual and relational issue.

The Increase of Sin with the Law

The biblical teaching on sin also suggests that the presence of the law caused sin to increase, rather than decrease (Rom. 7:20). This is because the law reveals God's will and standards, and when people fail to meet these standards, they are conscious of their sin. The law leads people to sin more, not less, as they become aware of their inability to meet God's standards and rebel against Him. This is evident in the biblical account of the Israelites in the wilderness, who rebelled against God repeatedly and were punished for their lack of faith.

The Relationship Between Sin and Longevity in the Biblical Account

In the biblical account, the longevity of individuals is not directly related to their sinfulness. Rather, the biblical teaching suggests that God gives humans a probation period, our lifetime, to reverse the choice of our first ancestors (Heb. 9:27). This view is supported by the biblical account of Adam and Eve, who were created to live forever, but sinned and were punished with death (Gen. 3). The biblical teaching on sin emphasizes the relational and spiritual nature of sin, and its direct consequences, rather than suggesting that sin is merely a moral failing that can be overcome by good behavior. Therefore, the idea that people lived longer in the early Bible because they sinned less is not supported by the biblical teaching on sin.