By Doug Cox

The story of Noah and the flood is a well known story from the Bible. Many Christians consider Noah a prophet. The apostle Peter calls him a preacher of righteousness. Noah’s story exists in many different cultures and religions around the world. The Biblical story is found in Genesis chapter 6 where Noah is living in a world saturated with evil.

Genesis 6 tells us that leading up to the building of the ark the sons of God took wives from the daughters of men. Some believe these sons of God were fallen angels while others have different theories. The point is whoever the sons of God were, their offspring were called giants.

Genesis 6:4-7 says “There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, whenever the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown. Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.” “So the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast… I am sorry that I have made them.” Thankfully verse 8 says “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD,”

A recent poll says around 60 percent of Americans believe the story. For me, there is one witness that gives total credibility to Noah. That witness is the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus gave us indicators of what to expect before His final return. He said, “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only. But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24:36-39 NKJV)

So because of Jesus the story of Noah gives watchful believers a list of things to be aware of while awaiting the Lord’s return. People will focus more and more on enjoying life’s pleasures while dismissing any idea of a coming judgment. Evil will be dominant in men’s hearts and minds. The apostle Paul says these evil minded people will be given over to a debased mind. (See Romans 1) Genesis 6 speaks of how corruption infiltrated the earth along with all flesh and that violence filled the earth. And Jesus said, “as it was so it shall be.” If Jesus said it, I believe it.

The Apostle Peter says, “… know this, that scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts, and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.” (2 Peter 3:3-4 NKJV) A person that says all things continue as they were from the beginning is a dishonest observer. Things have changed drastically. Wickedness, corruption and violence are all increasing. Thinking about it is not pleasant but it can be a truth that motivates us to find God’s grace just like Noah did.