"and did not spare the ancient world, but saved Noah, one of eight people, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly." (2 Peter 2:5)
What caused God to send a flood upon this earth, resulting in the death of mankind and other forms of life? It had to do with the wickedness of man (Genesis 6:5-8). He had forgotten the ways of his Creator. People became overly comfortable with temporal blessings and so had removed the things of God from their minds. They behaved as though He did not exist, caring only about the things of this earthly realm (Matthew 24:38; Luke 17:27).
Noah warned his generation of how God would judge the world through a flood. He was the recipient of mocking and scoffing as he prepared an ark for his family. The people were preoccupied with the things of this life: eating, drinking, and marriage. They were not concerned with the things of God. That is why the flood which Noah had spoken of beforehand was unexpected (2 Peter 3:3-6). There came a time when God closed the door on the ark.
Just as God cast judgment on sinful mankind through a flood, so He will judge the unrepentant and unbelieving world again. The imagery of fire is utilized as He refines creation and permanently does away with evil (2 Peter 3:7; 10-13). Both scenarios point us to the beginning of a new creation. Those who are righteous by faith will be delivered from the wrath of God to come (Hebrews 11:7).
Just as faithful Noah was dismissed when he preached repentance, so there are plenty in this fallen world who mock the gospel message proclaimed by God's church. Indeed, He has been rather patient and merciful with all people (2 Peter 3:8-9). It will not always be that way, for there is a time coming which is reserved for judgment.
What caused God to send a flood upon this earth, resulting in the death of mankind and other forms of life? It had to do with the wickedness of man (Genesis 6:5-8). He had forgotten the ways of his Creator. People became overly comfortable with temporal blessings and so had removed the things of God from their minds. They behaved as though He did not exist, caring only about the things of this earthly realm (Matthew 24:38; Luke 17:27).
Noah warned his generation of how God would judge the world through a flood. He was the recipient of mocking and scoffing as he prepared an ark for his family. The people were preoccupied with the things of this life: eating, drinking, and marriage. They were not concerned with the things of God. That is why the flood which Noah had spoken of beforehand was unexpected (2 Peter 3:3-6). There came a time when God closed the door on the ark.
Just as God cast judgment on sinful mankind through a flood, so He will judge the unrepentant and unbelieving world again. The imagery of fire is utilized as He refines creation and permanently does away with evil (2 Peter 3:7; 10-13). Both scenarios point us to the beginning of a new creation. Those who are righteous by faith will be delivered from the wrath of God to come (Hebrews 11:7).
Just as faithful Noah was dismissed when he preached repentance, so there are plenty in this fallen world who mock the gospel message proclaimed by God's church. Indeed, He has been rather patient and merciful with all people (2 Peter 3:8-9). It will not always be that way, for there is a time coming which is reserved for judgment.
Noah’s story is a powerful reminder of both God’s judgment and mercy. It urges us to reflect on our own lives and consider how we live in relation to our Creator. The fact that He gave the unbelieving world in Noah's day time to repent is an element of mercy shining forth through an otherwise dreary narrative. As we navigate the comforts and distractions of this world, let us not forget the eternal truths and the impending divine judgment.
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