Reply To: Covenants Group Discussion 1

[Pchris]

Minimum age – This refers to the lowest age at which a person expects or is allowed to perform a specific action.

There are covenantal and theological principles that proves that God is not only the source of life ( Acts 17:25) but also desires that every believer should live a full, purposeful and satisfying life. This means God wants His Children to live long enough to fulfill purpose , enjoy the blessings attached to His covenant and also be Testimonies of His faithfulness.
According to Psalm 91:16 “ With long life I will satisfy him and show him My salvation”( Nkjv) , God satisfies the righteous with long life not just in longevity but in fulfillment, not just in quantity but in quality. Long life is not just biological, but attached to it is covenantal blessings , divine satisfaction and purpose. From the above Scripture, one may ask how “long” is the “ long life” stated there, the word “long” is the Hebrew word (orek) which is translated “ forever” . Now forever indicates that no numerical figure can be held on to .
Furthermore, comparing scripture to scripture, Genesis 6:3 “ And the Lord said , My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh ; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years” ( Nkjv)
And Psalm 90:10 “ The days of our lives are seventy years and if by reason of strength they are eighty years , yet their boast is only labor and sorrow for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” ( Nkjv).
While Genesis 6:3 sets a higher minimum age, Psalm 90:10 reflects a general minimum age of 70-80 years, the age limit in the latter was not set by God but it was a description made by Moses of the Israelites in the wilderness due to disobedience.
In this time and dispensation, I think 80 years is often seen as a minimum age a healthy and obedient believer can reasonably expect though with divine strength it could be more .

CASE STUDY 1
DAVID ( OLD TESTAMENT)
( Acts 13:36 , 2 Samuel 5:4 Nkjv)
A believer’s aim should not just be about longevity but to fulfill their divine assignment, just like the above Scripture described the life of David. This is because, dying prematurely without fulfilling purpose is never ideal and certainly not part of God’s plan for His own

CASE STUDY 2
JESUS ( NEW TESTAMENT)
( Philippians 2:8, John 17:4 Nkjv)
In the New testament, while Jesus is said to have died young ( 33 years ) , His death was described as purposeful, sacrificial and a fulfillment of a unique and outstanding assignment. Yet, Scripture shows that believers are meant to live out their full course.

Long life is a part of the redemptive Package made available through Christ to a believer; It is a believer’s inheritance .
Believers are encouraged to speak and walk in long life based on God’s Word ( Proverbs 18:21 “ Death and life are in the power of the tongue” Nkjv)
(Job 5:26 “ You will come to the grave in full vigor , like sheaves gathered in season”)
A believer must cooperate with God’s Word and not speak contrary, reject fear and demonic suggestions of premature death, for the devil is a thief and yearns to steal your life in any way possible. You must continuously and deliberately declare the promises of God regarding life and health.

In Conclusion,
I think a believer should expect to live a minimum of 80 years or more if God so wills, while remaining in good health, peace and purpose. This is unless that believer’s assignment is fulfilled earlier just as the case of Jesus.