INTRODUCTION: One of the terrible epochs of earth's history is the Flood. This stands as the most horrible judgment of God upon sin that the world has yet seen. Let those who doubt the coming wrath of God consider it carefully [II Peter 3:5-7].

I. THE ARK - verses 16, 18-21.

A. The Ark's Dimensions.
Perhaps it would be helpful to quote Dr. Henry Morris. He is both a Bible student and a scientist who has given much study to the subject. (See Addenda 2 at the end of this chapter.)

B. The Animals. (See Addenda 3.)
Remember that the number of species is small compared to the multitudes of animal types. For instance a pair of dogs would have represented the entire canine family.

C. The Ark As A Type.
Bible students have always seen in the Ark a type of the Lord Jesus Christ. Following are some of the ways in which the Ark pre-figured Christ:

1. The Ark was a Divine provision. Salvation did not originate in man's plan but in God's [John 3:16].

2. The Ark was a place of refuge from God's wrath [John 3:18].

3. The Ark had but one door. When God shut this door, all opportunity for mercy was over. Christ is the way and the door, yet the invitations to come in will not be extended for ever.

4. The Ark was a place of absolute security for those inside [John 10:28-29].

5. The word translated pitch is different from the word usually used in the Old Testament. The word used here (Hebrew - kopher) is translated "atonement" in many other parts of the Old Testament [Leviticus 17:11]. In its noun form it simply means a "covering." Certainly this points to Christ's blood that makes atonement for our sins and hides us from God's wrath.

II. THE FLOOD - verse 17.
Several points may well be considered here:
A. The flood was a world-wide judgment. Those who have portrayed it as a local flood are not honest with the Scriptures.

B. While the Bible gives us the only accurate and inspired account of the flood, yet "flood stories" are found in cultures on every continent. Are not these widespread traditions passed down from generation to generation an independent testimony to the historical reality of the flood.

C. The flood is no doubt responsible for the present geological condition of the earth. (There are several excellent books on the Flood that the pastor will be happy to recommend to anyone interested in further personal study.)

III. NOAH'S FAITH - verse 22.
How we must admire Noah. He believed and acted upon the Word of God. No doubt the world scoffed, but Noah warned them diligently [II Peter 2:5]. The building of the Ark is men- tioned in the great "faith chapter" as one of the monuments of faith [Hebrews 11:7]. As someone has said in alluding to Hebrews 11:7, "Noah could not convince the world by his preaching, but he condemned the world by his faith and obedience."

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