Genesis 4-6

"Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." Genesis 6:5

What a statement. Only six chapters into the book and man had completely deserted God, their Creator. Man had become so polluted that God chose to clean the slate and begin again with one man, Noah, and his immediate family through an ark. This was to be no quaint boat ride. This ark would pronounce condemnation upon the world and provide salvation for only a chosen few.

Sometimes I feel like we're right back in the days of Noah. Men give neither attention nor heed to God and His commands. They delight in self-glory and self-preservation. So few seem to take hold of the gospel and experience a true relationship with God. But really... that simply depicts the totality of human history, does it not?

Hear what Scripture says, "There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God; all have turned aside, together they have become useless; there is none who does good, there is not even one." (Romans 3:10-12, cf 13-18)

And even though Noah was spared, Scriptures never teaches that he deserved it. What does the Scriptures say? He found favor with God. This is something that he found not something he earned. It was a gracious gift. Salvation was offered by God, through His means, to some who were undeserving.

It has remained that way for all of us. Salvation has been offered by God, through His means (the death of His Son on our behalf) to allow us, who would otherwise never deserve it, to obtain it. And sadly the same proportion of humanity seems to cling to it. Jesus reminded His disciples of that very fact, "The gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it. For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it." (Matthew 7:13-14)

Yet I am very thankful that no matter how many accept or reject, it is still freely offered. God is gracious, but that grace is extended on His terms, it comes through Christ. Just as physical salvation came through the ark alone for "the ancient world" (2 Peter 2:5) in the time of Noah, so spiritual salvation is delivered through Jesus Christ alone (Acts 4:12) for all the world in our time.

Have you "gotten on board?" What are you waiting for, a few drops of rain?