It is Settled!

A series of lessons from the Bible

by Howell Lasseter

Noah's Faith

Isn't it interesting to know that, by the time we finish the 6th chapter of Genesis, we have covered over 1/4 of man's existence? Last week's Bible character was Noah. He was a good man; in fact, the best man alive on this earth at age 500, according to God's assessment. Genesis 6:7 tells us God says He is going to destroy man because of man's wickedness, but in verse 8 we learn, "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord."

It is important that we consider God's statement regarding this man. Today, could that be said about one of us? We learn in Hebrews 11:7, "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." We need to consider the question because some today tell us Noah was saved by faith alone. Remember the passage of scripture noted earlier from Romans 15:4: "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." About 1556 years after creation, God told Noah to build an ark. When were Noah and his family spared from the flood? Before the ark was built? or, after the ark was built? That's easy to understand, isn't it? Some will no doubt ask, "What is the point?" The point is this: Noah was saved by faith, but not faith alone. It was necessary for him to build this boat so that he and his family could be saved from the flood God sent to destroy the wicked. He believed God; he had faith that what God said would happen, would happen. God made statements to Noah that Noah had to believe; God gave commands that Noah had to obey. But, don't misunderstand. A command has to be believed before it will be obeyed. So, by faith, we accept a command given by the Lord, and in obedience to Him, we do the command. In Hebrews 5:9b, the Hebrew writer, speaking of Jesus Christ, tells us, "He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him." Let's review: when was Noah (and his family) saved from the flood and from the destruction all the rest of mankind suffered - when he believed the Lord? or, after he believed and obeyed the Lord?

Let's be thankful for the Word of God; that it has been revealed to us; and that we can understand it; and by faith, we can obey the commands and precepts given therein; and by our obeying, we can be saved. We are not given the command to build an ark; only Noah was given that command. But, every living soul today, both Jew and Gentile, is to obey the gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16)!