When an architect designs a building, he has a purpose in mind for every part of the edifice. That is called attention to detail. Those who build the structure know that every piece of the building is designed for a particular purpose and they would not take it upon themselves to delete nor redesign part of what the architect drew, because they know that the building is made up of individual pieces and could not be exactly what the architect ordered it to be unless every part is in its proper place and performing the function which he intended. This is called common sense.
It is amazing that the greatest design of all time (i.e.; of which we are aware) is the universe in which we live and there are some who claim to be intelligent and logical in their thinking who say that all of this which we see around us just happened by chance and that everything continues to function by a continuum of coincidences. They think the exact order upon which this universe runs like clockwork is the product of a random occurrence. None of them would dare look at a child's tree house and suppose that the pieces of it came together in some cataclysm of arbitrary events. They would be looked upon as an idiot if they proposed that something even as simple and unsophisticated in design as that came together randomly and without the design of someone.
Yet the vast majority of humanity, if they do not outright, deny the creation of the world by GOD, nonetheless ascribes its day to day functions and the details of its occurrences to chance and luck, or even more of an oddity to the will and ability of men who are a part of the very creation they are supposed to be influencing and in control of.
We are not surprised at this mindset because man in his natural state is in rebellion against the GOD who rules in the heavens and the earth. They are willing to pay lip service to a god over whom they can exert influence and who will act according to the dictates of that which they deem fair and proper. (see Prov.14:12)
The true and living GOD is not only in absolute control of this universe but HE cannot be influenced nor moved from HIS determined purpose by anything which HE has created. This is a great comfort to those who rest in HIS absolute sovereignty and have confidence in HIS holy wisdom and purpose, but it is the greatest source of irritation and outright hatred for those who think that they can improve on that which HE has designed.
The LORD told Noah to build a large ship (an ark). There is no record that anyone before that time had ever even built a boat of any kind let alone one as large as this one the LORD designed. The LORD gave him explicit instructions as to how this ark was to be built including the kind of materials that were to be used. HE even explained to him about the wrath that HE was about to unleash on the unsuspecting generation with which Noah dwelt.
The LORD has been pleased to manifest HIS purpose of redemption for HIS people from the very beginning when HE made coats of animal skins for Adam and Eve to cover their nakedness. Then HE had Noah to build an ark of safety and preservation into which HE was pleased to bring every member of HIS creation that HE had not marked out for destruction (see Gen.6:8) because of their wickedness. This ark in its every detail is a type and foreshadow of JESUS CHRIST who is the ONE in whom all of HIS elect shall be preserved from destruction forever. (see Eph.1:4; II Thes.2:13-14)
The ark was many years in its preparation. We read that JESUS CHRIST came into the world with the purpose of saving HIS people from their sins (see Mat.1:21). In fact the scripture even says HE was a "LAMB slain from the foundation of the world" (Rev.13:8). In other words HE has always been the REDEEMER of HIS people and did not design the salvation of HIS own as a stop gap method of solving a problem that had arisen which was out of HIS control or design. While this is an absolute fact, the scripture also says"Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." (Heb 2:17) So HE was born as a babe, and "learned he obedience by the things which he suffered." (Heb 5:8) "And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." (Phi 2:8) The greatest and most glorious mystery of all the ages is this; that HE who knew no sin became sin for us. That is: HE literally died a sinner's death in the behalf of sinners.
A window was prepared in the ark. A window serves several purposes: to look out of, to let in fresh air, and most importantly for illumination. The salvation of the animals and Noah was in the ark that carried them to safety, and not in the window which let the light in for them. In the same fashion we contend that men are not rescued by the preaching of the gospel but the gospel is that which brings "life and immortality to light".(II Tim.1:10) The LORD has sent HIS preachers into the earth to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD and to declare the salvation which is found in CHRIST. The gospel is a proclamation of the finished work of the LORD JESUS. Just as the ark's window let in fresh air so is this gospel as a breath of fresh air to the weary and as a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life to those who are thirsty.
A door was built in the side of the ark. There was only one door. The LORD said "I am the door." (John 10:9) "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6) This door was built to accommodate the tallest of animals as well as the smallest. The fattest and the skinniest. All who will be saved must be found in HIM."Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." (Act 4:12) A door is for the purpose of coming in and going out which the LORD being the GOOD SHEPHERD is for HIS sheep. (see John 10:1-5) There was no mechanism for shutting the door nor any lock for Noah to actuate to keep it closed. Noah could neither shut himself in nor let himself out. When Noah was safely in the ark the scripture says that the Lord shut him in. (see Gen.7:16) It was impossible for Noah to wander out, fall out, or even climb out. "Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them." (Heb 7:25)
A flood came which destroyed every human which was not aboard the ark. Many criticize the concept of the everlasting destruction of all of those not found in the LORD JESUS CHRIST. Yet the scripture is clear that GOD will manifest the glory of HIS grace in the redemption of HIS elect as contrasted with the demonstration of HIS justice and power in the continuing total destruction of all of those who have loved the wages of unrighteousness. "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of is power." (IIThess 1:7-9)
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