When gazing through a telescope, we see beauty so vast even the most powerful optics can’t see how far it spans. Trillions of stars are arranged in perfect order, each declaring the matchless glory of its Creator, the Lord Jesus. When we look through a microscope, we glimpse that vast beauty in reverse. Molecules, patterns, and structures are so intricate that the most precise man-made optic won’t reveal the tiniest details that convey the unmistakable mark of expert engineering.

At the Institute for Creation Research, every study and discovery, from galaxies to genetics, testifies to the truth that the Bible means exactly what it says. That conviction drives ICR physicist Dr. Jake Hebert and his fascinating longevity research, which supports the clear record of Genesis as literal history and challenges the claim that its early chapters are poetic or symbolic.

Genesis plainly records that the patriarchs lived extraordinarily long lives: “So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years; and he died” (5:5); “So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years; and he died” (5:27); “Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters were on the earth” (7:6). These are not metaphorical or exaggerated ages but inspired historical records.

In light of such extended human lifespans, Dr. Hebert’s research explores what the lives of pre-Flood creatures may have been like. According to published conventional science literature, fossil evidence shows that many pre-Flood creatures like giant clams, massive oysters, and enormous mammals once flourished in abundance. Large animals today typically have longer lifespans than small animals, so it is likely these pre-Flood animals, like pre-Flood humans, lived longer than their contemporary counterparts. Some animals like sharks and crocodiles were much larger than their modern-day descendants. This aligns beautifully with Genesis’ description of a creation that was “very good” (Genesis 1:31), filled with life, strength, and longevity.

Deinosuchus hatcheri, Natural History Museum of Utah. Estimates indicate this extinct crocodile could grow to over 40 feet in length and weigh over 8,000 pounds.

Image credit: Daderot, CC BY 1.0, public domain

There is another biological pattern that matches Scripture’s account. In the animal kingdom, long-lived creatures tend to developmentally mature more slowly (see page 20). The Bible records that the earliest fatherhood occurred at age 65 (Genesis 5:15). This is rather old to have children compared to today. ICR recently hosted a visiting church staff, and Dr. Hebert pointed out to our visitors that Sarah was still strikingly beautiful at 90 when Abraham called her his sister (Genesis 20:2). The looks on our visitors’ faces were priceless, since this had never occurred to many of them. It seems humans were aging much slower then as well. These details make perfect sense in a world where humans lived for centuries, as the Bible describes.

Dr. Hebert’s longevity research strengthens confidence in the accuracy of Genesis and confirms Scripture’s history of Christ’s creation. The Lord Jesus Himself affirms this when He said, “For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me” (John 5:46).

ICR’s mission is to defend the authority of Scripture. But this vital work depends on the faithful financial partnership of believers like you. I ask for your help in making work like Dr. Hebert’s possible. We are so grateful to our existing ICR supporters and to those who will make their first gift and join ICR’s mission today. The challenge is great, but the Lord Jesus, our Creator and Redeemer, is greater. He multiplies our efforts far beyond what we could achieve alone.

* Mr. Gadberry is the director of development and donor relations at the Institute for Creation Research.