During the days of Noah – evil was growing in the world. When the world began, it didn’t start that way. But as each generation passed, and people grew further and further away from God, sin grew more rampant. And although each generation had people that walked in close fellowship with The Lord and lived a godly life, evil hearts still abounded (Genesis 6:5) and corruption became the norm. (Genesis 6:12).
So when God had seen enough and he could no longer stand the ugliness that had filled the earth, he decided to wipe the slate clean and start over. He decided to impose his holy and just judgement on mankind. And even as he prepared to put earth and its dwellers out of their misery, he found someone that loved him and he offered a plan of salvation for him that would spare him the coming judgement.
And as Noah carefully followed God’s instructions – with faith and trust in the plan of the Almighty Creator – he was ridiculed and laughed at. The sinners around him thought it was nonsense. There would be no judgement from some unseen God. And if there were, this wouldn’t be the way he chose to save human beings. So they carried on in their life of sin – not interested in changing their evil ways.
And when judgement began to rain down and God himself closed the door behind Noah and his family to seal their salvation, those left behind were faced with the painful fact that it was too late. There had been a way – but they had rejected it. And now “the ship had sailed”.
Now, many generations later, the world is on the same track. Evil is growing more and more rampant, and God’s judgement is inevitable. And since God promised after The Flood that he would never again flood the whole earth, this time it won’t be a big boat that saves us. And the message of salvation today is ridiculed by many just as it was in Noah’s day.
So how will we escape God’s judgement?
Well, God had that figured out all along and that is why he sent Jesus. Jesus is the only way by which we can be saved. Through Jesus is the only way that the filthy rags of our sin can be washed as white as snow (Psalms 51:7). Only in Jesus will we find salvation and life everlasting. Jesus — and nothing else. Take him or leave him.
Does that sound ridiculous to you? Are you sure that Jesus isn’t coming back to judge the world? Are you sure that if he does you’ve been good enough to escape it? Are you sure his death on the cross and victory over death isn’t the only way to escape eternal judgement? Are you sure whatever it is you’re depending on when that day comes will be enough?
I can tell you with confidence and joy that I am sure my Jesus is the only way!
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18 NLT)
There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NLT)
Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him— even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the world will mourn for him. Yes! Amen! (Revelation 1:7 NLT)
“God overlooked people’s ignorance about these things in earlier times, but now he commands everyone everywhere to repent of their sins and turn to him. For he has set a day for judging the world with justice by the man he has appointed, and he proved to everyone who this is by raising him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30, 31 NLT)
He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for he is faithful to do what he says, and he has invited you into partnership with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:8, 9 NLT)
But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment. (2 Peter 3:8-10 NLT)