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I am preaching through the narrative of Noah on Sabbath evenings in the congregation, and I have been struck by the clarity with which the Ark proclaims Christ. In my sermons, I generally stick to three points (four at most!), but here are TEN ways in which the Ark preaches Christ.
- The Ark Preaches FAITH in Christ
Noah had to build on the basis of God’s word. He had no evidence to work with: no gathering clouds, no history of flooding. Thus his building of the Ark was supreme act of faith, and well deserves his honourable mention in Hebrews 11: By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith (v.7).
Are YOU building your life in faith in Him?
- The Ark Preaches SANCTIFICATION in Christ
Noah had to use real and hard labour to build his Ark. It was the product of many years of hard graft. As he chopped down that first tree, he knew it was the first of ten thousand, yet so he battled on. As the Apostle says: Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses (1Ti 6:12).
Are YOU battling every sin in your life in the pursuit of Holiness?
- The Ark Preaches PERSEVERANCE in Christ
Noah had to press on, through long years of loneliness and discouragement. His Ark must have been the focus for the scorn and derision of his whole civilization, as all united in mockery of the one godly man of his generation. As the Lord said: But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Mat 24:13).
Are YOU pressing on continually towards Heaven?
- The Ark Preaches RIGHTEOUSNESS in Christ
Noah’s whole life preached righteousness to his generation, as a just man and perfect… [who] walked with God (v.9), yet his Ark did so most of all. It continually witnessed to the difference between a self-centred life and a God-centred life. So he is described for us by the Apostle Peter: Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness (1Pe 2:5).
What does YOUR life proclaim to the World that you value?
- The Ark Preaches JUDGMENT in Christ
With every hammer blow, Noah’s Ark sounded the warning of God’s judgment being prepared on a world full of sin. The end of that civilization was approaching, and the Ark was Noah’s preparation. As Peter says: the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night (2Pe 3:10).
Are YOU making preparation for the coming Day of Judgment?
- The Ark Preaches SALVATION in Christ
The Ark was built as a means of salvation, of escape. Its walls were coated with pitch, to render it securely proof against the water of judgment poured upon the world. Its safety was secured by God’s covenant promise: But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark (Gen 6:18). So Christ has already borne God’s wrath against sin rained on Him on the Cross, and has promised His people’s salvation.
Are YOU trusting today in Christ’s covenant faithfulness for salvation?
- The Ark Preaches SUFFICIENCY in Christ
The Ark was immense in size, and built with rooms (v.14). There was space inside for all who would come. So with Christ, His sacrifice is sufficient to cleanse every sin of every one of His people.
Are YOU confident in His sufficiency to save you?
- The Ark Preaches THE GOSPEL OFFER in Christ
The Ark was built with an open door, as Noah preached to all who would hear, as one standing in the place of Christ, the salvation offered from the wrath of God (). Just so, Christ says: I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved (John 10:9).
Have YOU come to Christ for salvation?
- The Ark Preaches THE GOSPEL URGENCY in Christ
When the flood came, God shut the door (Gen 7:14). The time of mercy had passed; the time of judgment had arrived. So with Christ, we must not leave it too late. His message is still the same: Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand (Mat 4:17).
Are YOU still delaying fleeing to Christ?
- The Ark Preaches THE HOPE OF A NEW WORLD in Christ
The Ark was designed to accommodate animals, birds and reptiles sufficient to repopulate a new world after the flood waters had abated. So we trust in Him for the provision of an everlasting world to replace this one. As Peter says: We, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness (2Pe 3:13).
Are YOU hoping to enjoy everlasting life in Him?
Come even now, and find eternal refuge in Him.
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