In "Warned of God -- Moved With Fear," Don Fortner emphasizes the theological significance of faith as demonstrated by Noah's obedience to God's warning about impending judgment. Fortner posits that Noah's faith was an active response to divine revelation, leading him to prepare an ark in fear of coming destruction, as outlined in Hebrews 11:7 and Genesis 6:1-3. He underscores the urgency of God's warnings in Scripture, including Romans 3:23 and Luke 13:5, to highlight the certainty and justice of divine judgment, as well as the immediate need for repentance. Fortner stresses that while fear may not save, it serves as a critical precursor that leads sinners to acknowledge their lost state and seek refuge in Christ, emphasizing the necessity of a heartfelt response to God's call to salvation.
Key Quotes
“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...”
“You have been warned some of you hundreds of times by the faithful preaching of the gospel.”
“You must be driven from your carnal security by fear so that you may be drawn to Christ by his grace.”
“You have only two options repent or perish which will it be.”
What does the Bible say about God's warning to Noah?
The Bible recounts that Noah was warned by God about impending judgment, prompting him to build the ark for salvation (Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 6:1-3).
Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 6:1-3
Why is fear important for Christians according to the Bible?
Fear can lead to repentance and a recognition of God's justice in the face of impending judgment (Luke 13:5).
Luke 13:5
How do we know God's judgment is certain?
Scripture repeatedly warns of God's judgment as both just and inevitable, as seen in Romans 3:23 and 6:23.
Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23
Why should Christians heed warnings about God's wrath?
Heeding warnings about God's wrath can lead to repentance and ensure salvation through Christ.
Ezekiel 18:20, 1:18
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. moved...: Or, being wary - Hebrews 11:7Warned of God -- Moved with Fear
Noah was “warned of God of things not seen as yet” (Gen. 6:1-3, 7). Noah’s faith was the response of his heart to God’s Word. God told Noah that his Holy Spirit would not always strive with man, that his longsuffering is for an appointed time, and that after the appointed days of mercy were ended, he would destroy man from off the face of the earth.
God’s Warning
The Lord God has warned you of these things. Has he not? Your days on this earth are numbered. “Today is the day of salvation.” Salvation belongs to all who trust Christ. But if you will not trust Christ, you must be forever damned!
You have a Bible. What mercy! God has given you His Word in Book form to warn you of wrath, impending wrath, eternal wrath, inexpressibly horrible, infinite wrath (Rom. 3:23; 6:23; 1:18). Read the Book. It is written, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die” (Ezek. 18:20). Noah’s generation, Sodom, Korah and his followers, all stand as beacons to warn sinners of divine judgment. “Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish!” (Luke 13:5).
You have been warned, some of you, hundreds of times by the faithful preaching of the gospel. It is the responsibility of God’s servant to receive the Word at God’s mouth and faithfully warn you of wrath to come:—The Certainty Of It.—The Justice Of It.—The Imminence Of It.—The Eternality Of It.—The Horror Of It.—The Escape From It. Hell is the portion of every rebel. Eternal hell! The only way of escape from the wrath of God, the only refuge for your soul is Christ. Escape for your life! Flee to Christ! There is no other Savior.
How often God has warned you of his wrath upon you, by his acts of providence. You have seen immortal souls cut down, without warning, and swept away into eternity to meet an angry God, without Christ, without hope. They are forever damned; but you are left! For now, you are spared! Be warned.
God speaks to you by your conscience, too, warning you of impending hell. You know that you are lost. You know that you are a guilty sinner. You know that the wrath of God is upon you. Do not stop your ears and run madly into hell!
Moved
Noah, being warned of God, was “moved with fear.” He was not moved by fear for himself. He believed God. He was moved by fear for his family, his neighbors, those who were yet rebels to God. He feared for the souls of men.
Had Noah been like most, he would have said, “God is merciful, he will not really send men to hell.” – or – “There will be time enough to repent later.” – or – “I am not bad enough for God to send me to hell.” But Noah was not so foolish and senseless. He was “moved with fear.”
Perhaps you are thinking, “Why do you frighten us? You know that fear will not save a sinner.” That is true. It is the goodness of God that leads you to repentance. Only the love of God in Christ can melt the sinner’s heart, draw us to Christ, and constrain us to believe; but you will never be drawn to Christ by the cords of love until you are driven from your carnal security by the fear of God’s impending wrath. You must be driven from your carnal security by fear, so that you may be drawn to Christ by his grace. You have only two options: repent or perish. Which will it be?
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