Saturday, January 12, 2013

The Flood: Triplets of Renovation



As we saw last week, Scripture describes three new beginnings for the earth and all it contains, even though God will preserve the earth eternally in one form or another (Psalm 78:69; Eccl. 1:4). First was God’s creation (Genesis 1), second was the flood (Genesis 6-7), and third will be renovation by fire (2 Peter 3:10,13). occurring after the Millennial Kingdom.  Looking at the flood in greater depth, we see that key events and precepts are again grouped in three, reflecting God’s triune nature.

Because of man’s wickedness, God destroyed most of the earth’s inhabitants in the flood, sparing only a few representatives of every living creature: mankind, unclean animals, and clean animals (Genesis 6:5-7). God extended His grace to Noah because he “walked with God” (Genesis 6:8-9) and gave him detailed instructions for building the ark as his safety vessel. The length of the ark was three hundred cubits, the height thirty cubits, and it had three stories (Genesis 6:15-16).

Noah showed amazing faith in God by obeying His command to build the ark (Genesis 6:22) as shelter from the flood to come, even though the earth had never before experienced rain! That faith must have been sorely tested due to the intensive, prolonged labor involved in building it, not to mention the scorn and mocking of his neighbors!

But Noah persevered, and God rewarded him by allowing Noah, his wife, and the next generation of his family to board the ark, namely his three sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and their wives (Genesis 6:10,18). God commanded Noah to preserve three groups of animals: fowl, cattle, and every creeping thing, by bringing them onto the ark, along with food supplies for them as well as for the humans (Genesis 6:20-21).

God commanded Noah to bring two (male and female) of every unclean animal, so that they could propagate after the flood, seven of every fowl, and seven of every clean animal, not only for propagation but for sacrifices to God (Genesis 7:2-3). All other beings living on earth, human and animal, were destroyed, giving rise to the fossil remains still found today (Genesis 7:19-23).

On a single, specific day (Genesis 7:11-12), three cataclysmic events marked the beginning of the flood: the heavens opened, the rains came, and geysers erupted from the ocean depths. This was not a gradual buildup of flood waters such as we experience with heavy, prolonged rain, but a violently dramatic overtaking of the earth by water, such as we see at the coast line with a tsunami. There was no time for anyone on earth who mocked Noah and rebelled against God to change their mind – they were instantly swept away, along with all their wealth, possessions and homes.

The downpour lasted for 40 days and 40 nights (Genesis 7:4,12), but the ark’s inhabitants were safely protected from the catastrophe, floating above the raging flood waters (Genesis 7:4,17). Ultimately, God stopped the “fountains of the deep” and the torrential rains and sent a great wind to remove the flood waters completely after 150 days (Genesis 7:4:24; 8: 1-3).

To inform Noah of the state of the flood waters, God gave Noah three signs involving a dove he had on board the ark. The first time Noah released the dove from the ark, she found no resting place and returned to the ark. After seven days he released her the second time, and she returned with an olive leaf as a sign that the treetops were no longer under water. After another seven days he released her the third time, and she did not return, signifying that the earth was once again habitable (Genesis 8:8-12).

God then told Noah and his family to leave the ark, along with the three categories of animals on board: every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, so that they could do three things: “breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth (Genesis 8:15-19).

Pleased with Noah’s building of an altar and offering animal sacrifice, God then made three promises to Noah: never again to curse the ground,  never again to destroy the earth’s inhabitants by flood, and to perpetuate earthly cycles of seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, seasons, and day and night (Genesis 8: 20-22). He marked this new covenant with a new sign of the rainbow (Genesis 9:12-17).

Noah’s three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and their wives were the progenitors of all mankind after the flood and gave rise to all nations (Genesis 7:13; 9:18-19; 10:1,32).

The purging of the earth by the great flood foreshadows God saving mankind by sending His only Son as the perfect sacrifice for our sins, so that all who trust Him have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus Christ, self-existent from the beginning of time (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1), came to earth to live in human flesh, to die for our sins, and to live forever in His glorified body (Revelation 1:18). Mankind in the days of Noah lived on the earth and died in the flood, but the faithful remnant of Noah and his family lived to repopulate the earth, that their descendants who trusted God would also have eternal life.

Jesus told His disciples that like the flood, His return will be equally sudden, dramatic in its consequences, and irrevocable. Life will be continuing on its usual course, as it was in the days of Noah, when the Rapture will occur without warning (Matthew 24: 37-42; Luke 17:26).. Those who placed their trust in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) as the only way to Heaven will instantly rise up in their glorified bodies to meet Christ in the air and to spend eternity with Him (1 Corinthians 15:52), but the rest will be left behind to face the great wrath of the Tribulation.

Sadly, those who are left behind and rejected the Gospel before the Rapture will not be saved during the Tribulation, because they will experience a strong delusion preventing them from believing the truth (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). May we all be ready for that crucial turning point, turning from our sins, trusting Christ as our Lord and Savior, and serving Him with our time, talents and resources!

Matthew 24: 37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.


© 2013 Laurie Collett
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37 comments:

Denise said...

Be blessed, as you bless.

Frank E. Blasi said...

What I find amazing about the Noachian Deluge is that while the ark was under construction, the unbelieving population as a whole mocked and teased Noah, probably relentlessly.
Both you and I firmly believe in the historicity of the Flood, but all those who believe in Darwinian evolution will also mock relentlessly at the Flood as being an historic event.
And it is also a shame that I knew many churchgoers, mainly with a university degree, believing the Flood to be only a moral story, but still cling to evolution, particularly theistic.
And there were other scientists of the past, such as Englishman John Pye Smith, who advocated the Flood as historical but confined to the Mesopotamian Basin as a local Flood, believed by many Christians to this day.
An excellent post,
Frank.

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Denise! You are a blessing!
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Frank, for these great points! In my opinion, the fossil & geological evidence support a global flood far better than they do evolution. If we believe God's Word as our sole authority, we should do just that, & not try to reconcile Scripture with the latest "scientific" theory or discovery.
Thanks again & God bless,
Laurie

Janis Cox said...

Hi,
So glad to reach you again. Linking in from Jumping Tandem. I too believe in the biblical account of creation. I subscribe to Creation Magazine. How can it not be this way?
Blessings on a great post,
Janis www.janiscox.com

Donald Fishgrab said...

As Hebrews 11:3 says, "Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." I can only wonder how many of those who claim to be Christians yet deny creation or the flood actually have that saving faith.

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Janis! He is not the author of confusion but of peace, and the Biblical account of creation seems very clear to me. So much more logical and easy to believe than to think that this amazing order and complexity fell together accidentally from nothingness and chaos over eons of time.
Thanks for your kind words & thoughtful comment & God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Donald! Without faith it is impossible to please Him. If "Christians" can't believe the accounts of creation or the flood, why should they believe in the Incarnation, virgin birth or resurrection?
Thanks as always for your insights, & God bless,
Laurie

Megan Wynn Volnoff said...

Hey, it's The Mrs here following you back!

Nadwrażliwiec said...

Marana tha! Come Jesus Christ!
I wait for His next coming. We don't know day, but with Bible in hands we can see a lot of signs of fact, that Jesus is coming.
Greetings for You, dear Laurie! :)

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Megan!
God bless,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Zim! Come quickly, Lord Jesus! The signs of the times would suggest that He is combing back soon!
Blessings to you!
Laurie

Jacqueline said...

Come quickly, Lord Jesus! I have always been fascinated with the flood and the resulting upheaval of the earth. Thank you for this excellent lesson, Laurie.
Blessings!

Laurie Collett said...

Maranatha, Jacqueline! The flood and the accompanying earth changes are fascinating indeed. It has been an exciting time in contemporary history also as what appears to be the remains of the ark was discovered on Mt. Arafat. Thank you so much for your uplifting comment, & God bless!
Laurie

Ms. Kathleen said...

This is such important reason why we must continue to share the saving grace - the glory - the love of God with all we meet... Bless You! http://thejoyfulservant.com

mail4rosey said...

There are many I loved whom I don't want to be left standing at the mill, and if it came today, they might well be. I'm praying always for them, because I love them and I want them to know God and his love for them. It's very hard when people you love dearly don't believe.

Laurie Collett said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laurie Collett said...

Amen, Ms. Kathleen! Time is short before He comes again -- may we use it wisely to spread His Word & to glorify Him in all we say & do!
God bless you too,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

That is so true, mail4rosey! We have many in our family & friends that are unsaved. We pray for them and try to witness to them whenever God opens the door. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to save them, but we must sow the seed. Never give up, because I believe we won't know in many cases what effect our words and prayers had until we reach Glory.
God bless,
Laurie

Crafts a la Mode said...

Thanks for this. I read it all and agree also. Lord Jesus, come in glory! Linda

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Linda, for your encouragement! Amen -- may He come quickly & soon!
May you have a blessed weekend!
Laurie

Unknown said...

very nice and encouraging blog! new follower from the hop

Unknown said...

Oh, I love this. I am always looking for a new way to absorb the word of God. Fabulous dance site as well. I came over via the Fun Friday Blog Hop to follow you. I am over at http://onecreativeprocrastinatinggal.blogspot.com/ if you would like to follow me back. : )

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks so much, Pamela, for your sweet comment & for following! I'm following you back!
Blessings to you,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Welcome, Amy! I'm delighted that you're following, & I pray this blog will be a help to you in your Bible study! Thanks so much for your sweet comments & for following -- I'm headed over to your blog now!
God bless,
Laurie

Pamela said...

I've always wondered how it must have felt like to see rain for the first time. It was a sad day for so many--and I fear will be when Jesus comes again. I had a boy in my writing class write a story how a boy got right with God during the tribulation. God helped me explain that he has had many chances for salvation and wouldn't have any later.

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience, Pamela. I believe the rain was such a deluge, coupled with the tsunami, that those outside the ark were immediately swept away without time to ponder their fate. Paul makes it clear that the Rapture will be instantaneous, with no time for those who rejected Christ to change their mind.
May you have a blessed week in Him,
Laurie

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Katherine, for your comment & for hosting!
Blessings to you,
Laurie

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Thanks goodness that the righteous are saved. I pray daily for all of us to be better people. The account of Noah is one of my favorite bible stories. Thanks for joining SYC.
hugs,
Jann

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks for your comment, Jann, & for hosting! Praise God that when He looks at those who have accepted Christ as their Lord & Saviour, that He does not see our sins, but instead sees only the perfect righteousness of His Son Who died to reconcile sinful man to Holy God. We are saved by grace through faith in Him, not through any good works or righteousness of our own, for we are all sinners.
God bless,
Laurie

Unknown said...

There's a part of me that wants Jesus to come quickly, but another part that just wants him to wait a little longer so that all my loved ones may know him. Thank you so much for linking up this post.

Laurie Collett said...

Amen, KM Logan! I believe it is His mercy that is causing Him to tarry, but in His infinite wisdom He knows when everyone that will be saved is saved, and then He will come in His perfect timing.
God bless,
Laurie

MEN SHARPEN MEN said...

Hi great article. I have kind of a debate going on and want to know what you thought. I am curious to know if you think that salvation is a process or if you think that once saved always saved? Thank you for your article

http://www.jesuscoffeebreak.com

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Norman! Great question, and always a subject of much debate. I believe, and the Bible teaches, that once you are saved by faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the only Way to Heaven, and once you know this not only intellectually but in your heart, you are "born again" and indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Then you are a new creation in Christ, Heaven is your home, and you are kept safely in the double grip of Jesus the Son and God the Father. Nothing can separate you from the love of God. You did nothing to earn your salvation, so you can do nothing to lose it.

That being said, if we see no evidence of the new creation (person continues to live in a sinful life style, doesn't want to go to church, read the Word, or do good works, we may wonder if they truly were saved or if they just got caught up with emotion and confessed to a faith they did not truly have.

Once we are saved, the Holy Spirit begins to do a good work in us, if we yield to Him and die to our sin nature. We will become more like Christ, follow His will, and do more in His service. This is what Paul means by "work out your own salvation," and what James means by "faith without works is dead." This is also referred to as "progressive sanctification," which ideally should continue throughout our Christian life.

Here is a link to a post I wrote about this recently:
http://savedbygracebiblestudy.blogspot.com/2013/09/are-you-sure-youre-saved.html

Thanks again & God bless,
Laurie

MEN SHARPEN MEN said...

Thank you Laurie, I have been saved since the early 1990's. I walked more fervently back then. Sometimes when you read certain things especially in Paul, James and Johns writings it causes you to think, "This is serious stuff." But I thank you so much. I revised my article. please check it out. God Bless you :-)

MEN SHARPEN MEN said...

By the way, I did read your article it was very good!

Laurie Collett said...

Thanks, Norman, for sharing your testimony and for the positive feedback! I think most Christians experience greater fervency when they are first saved, and then tend to cool somewhat for a season. But it's about faithfulness and obedience, and not about feelings. Yet with continued obedience and seeing God's faithfulness over and over comes joy in Him and peace, both of which tend to fuel greater obedience and more good works out of love and gratitude for what He has done. Your intensive study of these topics and wanting to know more reflect your desire to know Him more, and He will bless you richly for that.

I like your revisions & left a comment on your post. God bless,
Laurie