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Grounded-In-Biblical-Truth |
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Almost everyone knows about Noah's ark described in Genesis chapters 6-8. But so very few are aware that it was a type of Christ. What Noah's ark was for him and his family, Christ is for believers. Noah's ark therefore foreshadowed Christ in many ways. We here continue where we paused in the previous message (#253).
V. Noah's ark had God for its designer (Genesis 6:15f): God instructed Moses as to the length and width and height of the ark, and its windows and door and decks. The ark was designed by God, and built according to His specifications.
Likewise, salvation in Jesus Christ is by God's design (Jonah 2:9; Ephesians 1:9): "Salvation is of the LORD" and "according to His good purpose which He purposed in Himself." Denominations and sects design their own means of salvation: law-observance, baptism, sabbath-keeping, church membership, good deeds, moral reformation, et.al. But all such means of salvation designed by man are futile. Man can not design his own salvation.
VI. Noah's ark contained a window for light (Genesis 6:16): "You shall make a window for the ark." This window was the only means by which light could enter the ark. It probably was located just below the roof of the ark, and extended all around it.
Likewise, Jesus Christ Himself is the light for those who find salvation in Him (John 8:12): Jesus said, "I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life." Christ also declares, "I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness" (John 12:46). Believers are therefore called "sons of light" and are declared to be "not in darkness" (1 Thessalonians 5:4f).
VII. Noah's ark contained only one door (Genesis 6:16): "set the door of the ark in its side." This door was the only means of access into the ark.
Likewise, Jesus Christ Himself is the only door to salvation (John 10:9): Jesus said, "I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved." "For through Him we ... have access by one Spirit to the Father" (Ephesians 2:18). And the placing of the door in the side of the ark for entry points to the piercing of the side of Jesus Christ for salvation (John 19:34).
VIII. Noah's ark contained three levels (Genesis 6:16): "You shall make it with lower, second, and third decks." No more, no less.
Likewise, three levels of salvation are found in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 1:10): God through Jesus Christ has "delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us." Salvation in Jesus Christ is three-fold: past, present, and future. In the past (at Calvary) He delivered His people from the penalty of sin. In the present, He is delivering them from the power of sin. In the future (in heaven) He will deliver them from the presence of sin.
IX. Noah's ark contained many rooms (Genesis 6:14): "make rooms in the ark." The various occupants of the ark were provided separate quarters. Interestingly, the Hebrew word here translated "rooms" denotes nests (as it is translated elsewhere throughout the Old Testament), or resting places. The ark was therefore a place of rest for its occupants.
Likewise, Jesus Christ provides rooms for all who find salvation in Him -- in two separate ways. First: Jesus Christ provides separate quarters in heaven for every believer (John 14:2): "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." Second: As the rooms in the ark were nests, or resting places, even so is a resting place found in Jesus Christ for every believer (Matthew 11:28): He invites, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Jesus Christ is the believer's sabbath-rest (Colossians 2:16f), and this sabbath-rest is entered by believing His gospel and trusting in Him (Hebrews 3:7-4:10).
Your servant for Jesus' sake.
Address all questions to pastor
Daniel E. Parks (2 Corinthians 4:5) e-mail RedeemerBC@aol.com
Pastor, Redeemer Baptist Church
2801 Cleveland Boulevard, Louisville, KY 40206 / 502.899-9205
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