The Man Who Would Live Forever

Bryan Johnson’s goal is to never die. Yes, he’s planning to live forever.

According to a lengthy article by Philip Cheung for Time.com, Johnson, a multimillionaire tech entrepreneur swallows 111 pills a day. Sleeps in a laser-face-shield for collagen growth and wrinkle reduction. And has spent in excess of $4 million developing a life-extension system he calls “Blueprint.”

Like some other ultra-rich middle aged men, Johnson has both the time and resources to pursue this wild dream, that consumes his ever waking hour. And, even in his sleep.

While Cheung presents a fascinating account as he visited Johnson’s home, observed his lifestyle, eating habits, and strict daily regiments, it is clear that neither he nor any of the medical experts believe this is possible.

“Most people assume death is inevitable,” Johnson admitted. However, he is trying to prove otherwise.

Of course, medical experts disagree. “Death is not optional; it’s written into our genes,” says Dr. Pinchas Cohen, dean of the Leonard Davis School of Gerontology at the University of Southern California.

Likewise, Biblical writers disagree. The Psalmist rhetorically asked, “What man can live and not see death? Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? (Ps. 89:48). The wise man observed, “There is a time to be born, and a time to die” (Eccl. 3:1). Yes, “It is appointed for men to die,” affirms Hebrews 9:27.

The Bible teaches because of sin, death entered the world. And because all people sin, then “death spread to all men” (Rom. 5:12-17). Human observation, medical science, and scripture all remind us of the stark reality of death.

Johnson’s quest reminds us of Ponce de Leon’s elusive pursuit for the Fountain of Youth. The idea of eternal youth has long been the subject of myths and legends for centuries. In the 6th century B.C. Greek historian Herodotus, wrote about such magical waters where people lived exceptionally long lives. It’s said that Alexander the Great was also in search for such a fountain.

Ironically, Johnson and others of like pursuit are overlooking the one true source of living forever. Jesus Christ. To the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus proclaimed “I am the water of life.” In the discussion that ensued He contrasted physical water with spiritual water and offered this promise.

“Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life” (Jn. 4:7-14).

The truth is if you are seeking immortality, forget about taking dozens of pills, engaging in rigorous exercise, or following Johnson’s Blueprint plan, commit your life to Christ. John affirmed that in Jesus is life, “the light of men” (Jn. 1:4). So, He would call us with the assuring promise, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (Jn. 14:6).

When Job asked the question, “If a man dies, shall he live again?” (14:14), he may not have understood all of the implications and answers to that query. But, the fact is when we live for Christ, although we will die physically, we will live eternally with Him in heaven. Or as Paul put it, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:21).

Sadly, those like Johnson, are missing out on what life is all about. Serving God. Praising God. Living for His purpose. And seeking to glorify Him. “For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s” (Rom. 14:7-9).

Johnson’s obsession ought to be a reminder to all Believers, not to become too enamored with longevity of life. But to be more concerned about the quality of life. The purpose of life. The fullness of a spiritual life in Christ.

Yes, you will live forever. Just not in this world.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman