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THE ARK OF SALVATION.

Genesis 7:1-7 (King James Version)

  • Since Cain and Abel there have always been two classes in the world.
  • The Cain posterity are mighty in their own eyes

o  while in the eyes of God they are only evil, and that continually.

  • The Abel line, like Noah, find grace in the eyes of the Lord.
  • The only hope for man is that he "finds grace."

o  Christ, the Divine Ark,

o  God's open door of mercy for all who will enter.

I.  The Place of Refuge.

  • Genesis 7:1 (King James Version)
    And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
  • "Ark!" This was God's appointed way of salvation.
  • The ark was—

A.  A Place of Safety

1.  No condemnation here

2.  God is our refuge

3.  Hid with Christ in God.

B.  A Place of Separation

1.  Saved ones are always set apart for God

  • Psalms 4:3 (King James Version)
    But know that the LORD hath set apart him that is godly for himself: the LORD will hear when I call unto him.

2.  Separated from sin to be witnesses for Him.

C.  A Place of Safety

1.  Noah's wants were all met

  • Isaiah 32:2 (King James Version)
    And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.
  • Philippians 4:19 (King James Version)
    But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

II.  The Divine Invitation

  • Genesis 7:1 (King James Version)
    And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
  • God said, "Come unto."
  • It is with God's own invitation
  • Matthew 11:28 (King James Version)
    Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
  • Instead of obeying and entering in—

A.  Some Look at it

1.  Their interest only constrains them to take a passing glance at the great provision

B.  Some Talk about it

1.  Their curiosity is awakened

C.  Some Sneer at it

1.  Laughing at those who accept

III.  The Acceptance of the Offer

  • Genesis 7:7 (King James Version)
    And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.

A.  Noah went in

1.  He believed GOD for himself, and took the decided step

B.  His Wife went in

1.  Sad when a house is divided on this important subject

2.  What if the NOAH had not gone

C.  His Sons went in

1.  The promise is to you, and to your children.

D.  His Sons' Wives went in

  • Acts 16:31 (King James Version)
    And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.