Question:
What does it mean when it says keeping God’s commandments would add length of days, and long life to thee? It won’t actually lengthen your life, will it?
Answer:
I assume you are referring to Proverbs 3:1,2. I will quote that passage, along with a New Testament reference which is similar to it: “My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments; for length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee” (Proverbs 3:1, 2). “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3).
The Gentile nations were never given the law (see Romans 2:14a; Ephesians 2:11,12), and the Church of God is also “not under the law” (See Romans 6:14). It stands to reason then that if we are not under the law, we cannot claim title to the blessings the law promised (or the curses either!!)
However, seeing as how God saw fit to mention (in Ephesians 6:2, 3) the commandment to honor one’s father and mother, with the promised blessing of wellness and long life to the obedient child, we can surely expect some application to ourselves. I do believe that if a child is obedient to his/her parents, and this because of owning the Lord’s authority in this relationship, there will be much blessing, which may include a long life. We know that there is no guarantee, for many a godly child in this Church period has been taken to glory by sickness, accident, or martyrdom. But generally speaking, we know that a life of obedience usually carries with it good health and longevity. And let us remember that the opposite has also held true; a life of rebellion and careless living has often ended prematurely.