Section 3 Chapter 1: All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable.
The antediluvians (those living before the flood), were at a distinct disadvantage then we are today, due to the fact that there was no example (on a global scale) of a global catastrophic event that destroyed all living animals and humans (except for those in the Ark). The only spin the enemy can put on all the physical evidence that now exist from such an event, is a misinterpretation planted within academic circles that is repeated over and over again, so that the lies sound plausible and somehow morphs into facts (theory of evolution). And as far as their view of Scripture goes, they deny biblical history asserting things were just made up, the story of the creation and the flood, the book of Genesis are fiction. They have been taught that the book (bible) is antiquated theory and human opinion, only written to keep folks in line morally. Their contention today would be we don’t need such instruction since we are so progressive now. (Yeah, that’s really working for us!)
This is of course just what you would expect from folks that don’t believe in God and still need a justification for the unrighteous lives they live. The reason they fight so hard to criticize and condemn the Christian right, is to feel better about themselves. Scripture tells us that it is the Holy Spirit that confronts and condemns the world of sin. This is God’s mechanism designed to save us, to help us realize the tragic condition we are truly in, to help us understand are need of a savior.
No matter how desperate those that deny God’s existence become, God still loves them, and He will do everything within His power to save them. His sacrifice was for the benefit of the entire human family, it is indeed a shame that what was provided at such an infinite cost is taken for granted or totally ignored. Scripture records, “that as many as receive Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (Jn. 1:12). So, it really comes down to making a choice to follow Christ and His truth.
Another item that was missing from the pre-flood society was the canon of Scripture. I only mention this due to the benefit it provides as a witnessing tool. Was this an unfair scenario and the reason why only 8 took advantage of the Ark of safety provided? Did God love them less, did He not provide the same opportunity for salvation?
It seems that the mental acuity of humanity at that early time in the history of the world was far superior to our present ability. I estimate the antediluvians were not only living 90% longer, but also had 90% greater intellectual potential. Their need for the written word or even a device that would record needed notes or instruction was not necessary. It was as if they had a sophisticated computer right on their shoulders. Just like our modern computers have provided a great advantage for knowledge and insights over pass generations, the pre-flood environment and pre-flood human physiology provided a pure intellectual ability. In a small way, someone with a photographic memory and high IQ would be similar in comparison, but still far inferior.
However, what is simply amazing is that even with this greater mental acuity, most all of humanity was sweep away in the waters of the flood, they did not heed the warning from God sent through Noah and the preceding Patriarchs. As the saying goes, they were to big (or smart) for their britches, they thought the laws of nature were fixed and indeed they were as for nearly 1500 years things remained basically the same with little to no changes. To them it didn’t matter how they acted towards one another, it didn’t matter that they ignored the creator who had blessed humanity with countless blessings, there were not going to be any repercussions for their actions. The creator saw things differently and was determined to put an end to all the disregard and violence of common decency. They were using their intellect to enrich themselves at the expense of one another. They became self-absorbed in crimes that we could only imagine. God was determined in mercy to bring the corruption to an end. They would repent and change or be destroyed. God would use Noah over 120 extra probationary years to offer an opportunity to repent and change.
As you might imagine this would not have been a very popular message from faithful Noah. As far as we know he didn’t have any of the things we use today for broad based communications to the general public. No brochures to pass out, no radio or tv announcements, no internet or cell phone technology. No production and advertisement company to schedule news interviews promoting his warning message; all he had was the Ark.
However, I do believe due to the enhanced environmental conditions his warning message was received and noted by all authorities and particularly the “men of renown”. Certainly, a building project of such magnitude over the course of 120 years would have been quite notable. Word of mouth advertising has always been found to be the most effective anyway. I’m quite certain anyone over the age of 4 would have been aware of Noah’s boat project and more importantly why the ship was being constructed. All the negative PR would also likely have added tremendous interest in what Noah had been called to achieve.
He didn’t have any modern Scripture references to point out, no bible to hold up as an authority that some might be inclined to believe. All he had was every hammer blow on the ship, the fitting together of every board or beam, every cubit of pitch applied to the planking. The rigging of the drogue stones had to be one of the final phases in preparation for the deluge, certainly this would convince doubters of the magnitude of the storm. They would only come after the rain began to fall from the sky. Hundreds of victims caught in the storm would eventually hang on the ropes and stones as a last-ditch effort to survive. Parents would strap their children to large beasts knowing they would seek higher ground and perhaps survive. But the promised warning was sure and conclusive, every living being would perish if they were not in the Ark of safety.
Though Noah did not have ink on paper as we could point to today, with Godly authority, his actions testified he believed every word the creator had spoken. God’s word was profitable, God’s word provided instruction, correction and was a living benefit to not only himself but his children and their wives (And to all the living today).
The same God that provided and sparred Noah through a global catastrophe has provided an Ark of safety for us as well. The Word, most profitable points us to Jesus Christ, who as well has become our Ark of safety. The very design and construction of the ship was an illustration of the life saving aspects accomplished by the Savior. The ship would have one door, 3 decks, 144 deck support timbers and massive drogue stones for added stability in rough seas. All these features Christ will provide for the believing Christian today. We could not survive the struggles this turbulent world produces except for the stabilizing power of the gospel message. The Christian hope is in Him, who was and is, and is to come!