Can We Reverse Aging in Humans?

According to a recent article, some researchers now believe that aging is a reversible process (in mice it is at least; human studies have not yet been done) “capable of being driven ‘forwards and backwards at will,’” because “our bodies hold a back-up copy of our youth that can be triggered to regenerate” with epigenetics (“on/off switches” on genes). Once scientists can figure out how to deliver a genetic switch evenly to all cells in a particular organ (such as the eyes), they believe it may be possible to reverse certain aspects of aging and make cells young again, thus healing aliments such as blindness.

This is exciting technology as humans work to reverse the effects that sin and the curse have on our bodies. But, as Christians, we must understand the limits of this technology.

This is exciting technology as humans work to reverse the effects that sin and the curse have on our bodies. But, as Christians, we must understand the limits of this technology. You see, scientists can work to reverse aging, and they may be successful in doing so to a very limited degree. But what they won’t ever be able to do is make humans live forever. You see, each one of us is under the curse of death because of our sin in Adam and our continued sin (Romans 5:12). We will all—no matter how advanced technology becomes—die someday, and after that we will stand before God (Hebrews 9:27). We can’t change this! But we can be saved from what the Bible calls “the second death” (Revelation 21:8).

God’s Word states clearly, “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty” (Psalm 90:10). So no matter what research man accomplishes, the average lifespan of humans is not going to differ much from this range.

You see, we aren’t just physical matter. Yes, we have bodies, and they do die, but each of us also has a soul, and the soul never dies. It continues to live forever, either with God in heaven or apart from God in hell. How can you know whether your soul will go to be with God or not?

Well, let’s see what the Scripture states.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Romans 10:9)

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit. (Titus 3:5)

Those who have placed their faith and trust in Christ alone for salvation are saved for eternity and spared the second death their sins deserve.

Those who have placed their faith and trust in Christ alone for salvation are saved for eternity and spared the second death their sins deserve. That alone—not science, not new technologies, not anything else—is what will ultimately save. Have you made the choice to repent and believe? If not, do so today—now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2)!

Get More Answers on Answers News

This item was discussed yesterday on Answers News with cohosts Dr. Georgia Purdom, Patricia Engler, and Rob Webb. Answers News is our weekly news program filmed live before a studio audience here at the Creation Museum and broadcast on my Facebook page and the Answers in Genesis Facebook page. We also covered the following topics:

• Teachers defying parents—the only “ethical” choice?
• “Field”—a racist word?
• Can we simulate “cosmic evolution”?
• And more!

Be sure to join us each Wednesday at 2 p.m. (ET) on my Facebook page or the Answers in Genesis Facebook page for Answers News. You won’t want to miss this unique news program that gives science and culture news from a distinctly biblical and Christian perspective.

Thanks for stopping by and thanks for praying,
Ken

This item was written with the assistance of AiG’s research team.