By examining the story of Noah as portrayed in Hebrews 11:7, Don Fortner emphasizes the doctrinal significance of faith in God's promises and the person of Christ. Fortner argues that Noah's preparation of the ark symbolizes true faith, which responds actively to God's revelation, showcasing the necessity of obedience rooted in belief (Rom. 10:17). He correlates various aspects of the ark—such as its singular door and spaciousness—with the exclusive nature of salvation through Christ (Acts 4:12). The practice of family leadership in spiritual matters is also highlighted, suggesting that Noah’s actions served as an instrument for the physical and spiritual salvation of his household, calling fathers to lead their families towards Christ. In essence, the article signifies that faith in Christ alone is the doorway to salvation, which must be entered willingly and completely.
Key Quotes
“Every act of faith is the response of the believing heart to God's Word.”
“There is a Door of access to God but only one Door. That Door is Christ.”
“We must not stop at the threshold and look into the ark. We must enter in.”
“Noah believed God. He believed God's Word concerning sin and judgment, salvation by the ark, and his promise of grace to all who entered it.”
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“Prepared An Ark”
“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.” Hebrews 11:7
Because Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord, he was given the blessed gift of faith in Christ. He believed God. Believing God, he acted upon God’s revelation, “being warned of God.” Every act of faith is the response of the believing heart to God’s Word (Rom. 10:17).
“Prepared An Ark”
Noah prepared an ark (Gen. 6:14, 16, 21, 22). This ark was a beautiful picture of our Lord Jesus Christ and the salvation of our souls by him. The ark was built by God’s design (Rom. 8:28-39; Eph. 1:3-14). It was a strong, mighty ship (Heb. 7:25). The ark was very roomy. There was plenty of room for all who entered into the ark, but room only for those for whom it was prepared.
The ark had a door made in the side of it, but only one door (Acts 4:12). It had a window in the top of it to let in light, but only one window. Thank God, there is a Door of access to God, but only one Door. That Door is Christ. There is Light for sinners lost in darkness; but there is only one Light to show us our way. That Light is Christ, the Light of the world.
The ark had no steps leading up to it. There are no steps by which sinners ascend up to God. We must come to God as sinners, trusting Christ alone. If we try to ascend to God upon steps of experience, repentance, knowledge progressive holiness, or anything else we will only expose our shameful nakedness (Ex. 20:24-26).
The ark had everything needed by Noah and his family (1 Cor. 1:30; Eph. 1:3-6). The ark bore all the storm of God’s wrath (Isa. 53:10; Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 1:18-20; 2 Pet. 3:18). The ark was covered with pitch (Atonement!). All for whom the ark was designed entered into it (Isa. 53:10-11). All who entered in were saved.
“To the Saving of His House”
God the Holy Spirit tells us that Noah saved his house. He “prepared an ark to the saving of his house.” How can that be? We know that, “Salvation is of the Lord.” We know that no man can save himself, much less save his family; but God says that Noah saved his house. The meaning is this — Noah was the instrument God used to save his household: physically, symbolically, and spiritually. This is the responsibility of all parents, especially fathers! How did Noah save his family? He entered into the ark himself and led his sons, his daughters-in-law, and his wife into the ark.
He was called into the ark (Gen. 7:1). He went into the ark (Gen. 7:7). Noah left everything and everyone else behind, and went into the ark at God’s command. “And the Lord shut him in” (Gen. 7:16).
That is exactly what we must do. We must enter into the Ark, Christ Jesus, by faith. We must forsake all other arks. We must not stop at the threshold and look into the ark. We must enter in. It is not enough to hear about the Ark. – We must enter in! It is not enough to know about the Ark. – We must enter in! It is not enough to admire the Ark. – We must enter in! It is not enough to defend the Ark. – We must enter in!
“Condemned the World”
When Noah entered into the ark, he condemned the world. That is to say, he declared the world to be condemned. When Noah entered into the ark, he declared that everyone outside the ark was condemned. —Those who mocked the ark. —Those who chose other arks. —Those who helped to build the ark, but never entered it. —Those who saw no need of the ark. All were condemned by Noah as he walked into the ark (Matt. 24:37-39).
“Became the Heir of Righteousness”
Noah “became the heir of righteousness.” He became the heir of that righteousness represented in the ark, the righteousness of God in Christ, that everlasting righteousness imputed to all who trust the Lord Jesus Christ.
All that Noah did and all that he obtained, he did and obtained by faith. Noah believed God. He believed God’s Word concerning sin and judgment, salvation by the ark, and his promise of grace to all who entered it.
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