One of the most fascinating stories in the entire Bible is the story of Noah and of the ark that he built and of the flood that God sent as a judgment on all mankind for their wickedness and violence (Genesis 6-7). Since Noah was righteous, God rescued him in the ark, but all those outside the ark perished.

Now as fascinating as this story is, the real point of the story must be understood from the perspective of salvation. This story of Noah and the flood is really about an offer of refuge and rescue in the face of coming judgment. As such, this story is not only for Noah and for those of his generation, but is for our generation as well. Jesus Christ Himself said that “as in the days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away. So shall the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matthew 24:38-39). What Jesus is saying is that, as in the days of Noah when there was coming the judgment of a flood on the wicked world, so now there is also coming a final terrifying day of God’s judgment on this wicked generation. As in the days before the flood when there was an ark that provided the only means of rescue from the flood, so now there is “the ark” of the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the only refuge for sinners, the only one who will save them from the coming wrath and judgment of God. Will you enter while the door of the ark stands open or will you despise the only means of salvation and perish in the judgment?

Today the door of salvation stands open, inviting those who are outside to flee to safety in Jesus and to flee from the coming judgment. All who will repent of their sins and bow their knee to Jesus Christ may enter into the refuge and be saved from God’s wrath. But there will certainly come a day, a terrifying day when God will slam shut the door of salvation forever and the day of finding refuge will be forever gone. Then the wrath of God will be poured out on all those who have not placed their faith in Jesus.

Today the door of the ark stands open, but one day the Lord will close the door forever. Where will you be on that day? Will you be in the ark of the Lord Jesus Christ, or will you perish in the judgment? SDG rmb 11/29/2015