The account of Noah’s Ark is one of the most familiar of all the biblical accounts. It has been depicted in books, movies, children’s toys and even nursery themes. These depictions create impressions that do not necessarily portray a correct understanding of God’s message of grace nor the depth of the account. There are many hidden treasures to be found in this biblical narrative if one delves deeper beneath the surface waters of the text. In this, my first blog series, we will explore some of those nuggets hidden deep beneath the surface of the text in order to discover more of the incredible messages that God has to communicate through this historical account.
As early as Genesis chapter six, God declared that he would bring judgment on the earth due to the extent of the wickedness that engulfed the world. Genesis 6:1-4 is an interesting and important passage regarding the Nephilim and that content will be examined in another blog. But suffice it to say – evil and wickedness were pervasive and rampant. It is stated that, “every intent of the thoughts of his [man’s] heart was evil continually” (Gen. 6:5). Therefore, God decreed the pouring out of judgment on the earth.
God himself declared that Noah was seen as just, or righteous in verse 8. God reaffirmed this to the prophet Ezekiel (Eze. 14:14) and in Hebrews 11 Noah is listed in the Hall of Faith. It is affirmed no less than three times in Scripture that Noah was credited with righteousness. According to the Mosaic law, it is on the testimony of 2 or 3 witnesses that something is established (Deut. 19:15). Therefore, God clearly and legally established Noah’s righteousness. But how? Was Noah perfect and without sin? Absolutely not. Noah was a sinner too, just like us! But in the eyes of God he found grace, whereas others did not. Why?
Although imperfect, Noah did two important things… the same two things that we – believers in Christ today – are required to do. First, Noah believed God. In a world full of sin and in a society that super-imposed its own standards of right and wrong over God’s, Noah believed God. In a world that had never witnessed rain and in a world where the wisest of men likely said rain was ridiculous and scientifically impossible, Noah believed God. Not much has changed from then until now. As King Solomon said, “That which has been is that which will be, and that which has been done is that which will be done. So there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecc. 1:9).
Second, Noah walked with God. In other words, Noah obeyed God to the best of his ability. Noah was not perfect. He was in the same, difficult human condition in which we find ourselves. Like us, he stumbled, erred and fell down. But he got back up, corrected his course and continued in obedience as best he could. While Noah was not perfect, he persistently progressed toward God. Because of these two things, Noah’s believing loyalty was credited as righteousness to him by God.
When we are under the blood of Christ through faith, we are seen by God as righteous and are thus pardoned from the penalty of sin (Rom 3:25). While in this life, we are still in the sin condition. We will face a life-long struggle with the ongoing war within ourselves between the Spirit and our flesh (Rom 6:19, Gal 5:17, James 4:1, 1 Peter 2:11). But like Noah and Abraham, if we believe God and his testimony through his only Son, Jesus, we are credited with righteousness. And if we truly believe God, it will be evident in our walk with him – in our obedience. It is our believing loyalty that makes the difference. And our believing loyalty leads to progress (sanctification), not perfection (glorification) in this life. Believing loyalty, or faith, coupled with God’s grace has always been what God requires from us (Eph. 2:8).
Because Noah demonstrated believing loyalty, he was credited as righteous and God in his grace provided deliverance from judgment for Noah. God offers the same to you and me. Grace by faith has been The Way all along (John 14:6).