The Ark and the Cross
Genesis 6 – 8
Flood Misconceptions
- It never rained before the flood
- Pre-flood society was complete chaos and violence
- A wooden ark would not be seaworthy
- The ark was box-shaped
- Not enough room for all the animals
- Dinosaurs couldn’t fit on the ark
- The flood was only a regional event
- The oceans do not have enough water to cover the earth
- The Genesis flood account was copied from ancient myth
- The ark has been found
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Taken from Answers in Genesis Article “Ark Tales”
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“The Ark of Noah is a rich picture of the salvation provide by Christ who today is our Ark of safety.” – Christian Information Ministries
Similarities: The Cross and the Ark
- Provision initiated by God – 6:11-18
- Romans 5:8
- Wooden instrument of salvation – 6:19 – 7:5
- 1 Peter 2:21-25
- One “Door” to salvation – 6:16
- John 10:7; 14:6
- Place of absolute security – 7:11-24
- Romans 8:31-39
- Refuge from divine judgment – 8:1-19
- John 5:24
Use in the New Testament
- Matthew 24:37-41; Luke 17:26-27
- “Days of Noah” – The coming of Jesus (and thus judgment) is an event that will catch people unaware.
- Hebrews 11:4-7
- Noah built the ark (a 120 year project) by faith.
- Noah is an example for us to follow as we strive to live our lives influenced by our beliefs.
- 1 Peter 3:18-22
- God patiently waited for Noah to build the ark before punishing the world.
- God continues to be patient giving us time to share the good news as Noah did (2 Peter 2:5).
- Baptism is compared to the ark passing through the water.
- Baptism (the act of washing) does not save, but…
- Baptism is an act of obedience and evidence of faith.
- therefore baptism is an essential.
- 2 Peter 2:4-10
- Used as an example to emphasize God’s ability to “rescue the godly from trials.”
- These aren’t fables bu actual events that reveal God’s great power.
So What?
- Has Jesus saved you from punishment for your sin?
- Will you be caught unaware on Judgment Day?Is the product of your life the result of your belief in what Jesus has done?
- Are you taking advantage of God’s patience before judgment?
- Have you begun your life of obedience with the act of baptism?
- Are you trusting in God’s revealed power to sustain you through life’s difficult circumstances?