“By Faith Noah…”—

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 11:7

    Noah is held before us here as an example of faith in Christ. His name means “rest, or resting place.” Here the Holy Spirit tells us that Noah found rest for his soul by faith.

    In Genesis 6 we are told that all the world was lost, cursed of God, and sentenced to suffer the wrath of God, because of man’s sin and apostasy from God. God was justly angry with all men and determined to rid the world of fallen men by the flood of his wrath; but in wrath, he remembered mercy. And we are told – “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” The Scriptures do not tell us that the Lord God found grace in the eyes of Noah, “but Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.”

    All men deserved God’s wrath; but one man was chosen. All men were condemned, justly condemned; but one man was justified. All men went astray from God; but one man was called. All men were lost; but one man was saved. All men were unbelievers; but to one man faith was given. “Noah found grace (not merit, but grace!) in the eyes of the Lord.” There is always a remnant according to the election of grace.

    A Divine Gift

    Faith is a divine gift. Noah’s faith, like ours, was the gift and operation of God’s grace upon him (Eph. 2:8). True saving faith is something that is bestowed upon and wrought in chosen, redeemed sinners by God’s saving grace. Faith in Christ is not the cause of God’s salvation, but part of it.

    A Divine Revelation

    Noah’s faith was the result of God’s revelation of his purpose of grace toward him (Gen. 6:13-14, 18, 22). – Faith arises from, is built upon, and believes God’s Revelation. Faith is no more and no less than believing God’s Word. God told Noah what he was about to do; and Noah believed him.

    An Example

    Noah’s faith is held before us by God the Holy Spirit as an example of how sinners are saved by faith. We are told that, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” Here is a picture of faith. God help us to see it and obey the example he has set before us. As Noah fled into the ark, which he had prepared, we must flee into the Ark, Christ Jesus, if we would be saved. The only way sinners can obtain that salvation, which is in the Lord Jesus Christ, is by faith. “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”