Noah’s Ark: An Illustration of Salvation in Christ
The similarities between Noah’s Ark and Jesus Christ are astonishing; so much so that we may affirm the ark to be a symbolic representation of what Jesus would later do for us on the cross of Calvary. It is not an accident that comparable observations could be made between the Ark of the Covenant (of Moses day) and Jesus Christ, but for now we will focus solely on Noah’s achievement.
Pitch
Today we call ‘pitch’ tar. The Hebrew word for ‘pitch’ is ‘kaphar’ and it is used seventy times in the Bible to mean atonement as it relates to blood sacrifice. The one exception is here in Genesis where it refers to the substance which covers the ark inside-and-out. In order to better understand the definition, my pastor likes to break-down the word ‘atonement’ into its basic components: at-one-ment, as in ‘being one with God’. By Christ’s shed blood we are in such harmony with God.
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. Romans 5:8-9
One Door
I have heard a lot of sermons about the door on Noah’s Ark. The singular thing I want to draw attention to is the fact that there is only one door; just one way to board this ship of deliverance. I am grateful the Father has maintained this simplicity having provided only One way to salvation in His Son, Jesus Christ. God could have provided several ways, but He opted for one. In so doing satan is restricted in his ability to manufacture counterfeit openings reducing the likelihood we will select the wrong door. Jesus said…
“I am the door, if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture…I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me.” John 10:9; 14:6
Many Rooms
Jesus will later tell us of the rooms He has prepared for us in Heaven, but I found it interesting that the Hebrew word for ‘room’ actually means ‘nest’. For me it brings to mind the comfortability associated with being with one’s own family, culture, and as it relates here, Christian denomination. Sure, Noah could have housed the lion with the lamb, but why create an unnecessary headache—let them be separate in their contentment, but united in their deliverance.
Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling… Philippians 2:12
Three Levels
We do not know precisely how Noah organized the animals on the Ark, but common sense dictates that the heavier beasts would be kept low similar as ballast on a ship would be. In so doing, a foundation of sorts is established upon the rolling seas. I am intrigued that the Apostle John, concerning Christians, made a three-tier distinction regarding understanding and spiritual maturity.
I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, Because you have overcome the wicked one. I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, And you have overcome the wicked one. 1 John 2:12-14
Door and Window Control
Later on in the text we notice that Noah has no control over the door, just the window. That speaks two things to me. First, as it pertains to the door, once it has been shut by God, we are in the boat—nothing man can do will open it. That reminds me of these verses from John 10:28 and Romans 8:38-39…
I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand…For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
The window is on top of the Ark and faces the heavens. Noah has the capability to open it whenever and as often as he likes, allowing light to enter for illumination or seeking to purge the stench of life. We have the same control.
The night is far spent, the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light…Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Romans 13:12 + Psalm 119:105
Noah Finished
We know from Bible history that Noah finished building the Ark. If he had not, as his descendants, not one of us would be here today. Similarly, if Jesus had not finished His work on the cross, we would have no place worth going to. Let us finish the task set before us with the same love and passion as Christ.
But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God… Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” Acts 20:24 + John 4:34
It rained 40 days and 40 nights during which time it is presumed that everything that breathed air died except for what was safe in the ark. Jesus fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and He lived.
After the ark grounded on the mountain, Noah waited 40 days before sending out a raven and a dove. The raven did not return and the dove found no place for the sole of her foot and returned to the ark. After 40 days of fasting something was loosed on the earth that failed to come back to God and Jesus started His public ministry but, as He said “the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head” and He returned to God.
Seven days later Noah sent the dove out again and she brought back a harvest. The “waters” were gone. During the final seven days of the “week” of Daniel 9, Jesus is sent out to Harvest His Church. The waters were gone. Revelation 17:15 And he said to me, “The waters which you saw where the harlot sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues.
After another seven days Noah sent the dove out again and she did not return to the ark. At the end of the seven year tribulation, Jesus sets up His millennial reign and is for ever with us.
the ark was big enough to give every occupant enough room and personal space,there was also provision for all,i never heard that any animal died of starvation.Jesus is open to all,there is still room for many more.All that you need in abundance is in Jesus, hurry now before it’s too late!!!
Good additions!
wow – I adored reading this – thank you for sharing this revelation!
Thanks for the visit and I am blessed you enjoyed it. To God be the glory!
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[...] am going to quote now from another author and his thoughts on the Noah story, Today we call ‘pitch’ tar. The Hebrew word for ‘pitch’ is [...]
It sounds like Jesus is speaking to His liberality, faithfulness and abundant provision — He doesn’t want us hanging out on the farm all day; He wants us to go out and tell the other sheep!
“I am the door, if anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture….” In and out? I understand the One Way in, but once in, why would we go out and find pasture? Or am I being too nearly literal, here?