306. GEN 7:23. THE DELUGE

Gen_7:23. The Deluge

"And every living substance was destroyed which was upon the face of the ground, both man and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven; and they were destroyed from the earth, and Noah only remained alive, and they that were with him in the ark."’97Gen_7:23.

The history of the old world is confined to about seven chapters. This includes the account of the creation, of the fall, and of the state of things for nearly 2000 years. During this period, sin had dispersed its deadly streams in every direction. Here, then, we meet with a pious, decided character; but the great mass had not the fear of God, and were disobedient to the authority of heaven. At length, even the forbearance of God was exhausted; his long-suffering expired; and he said, "My spirit shall not always strive with man." Then the last warning was given by the preaching of Noah, and the erection of the ark, which lasted for 120 years. Then was the threatening of heaven executed and all flesh, save Noah and his family perished before him.

Let us notice,

I. The Deluge itself.

II. The procuring Cause.

III. The Deliverance of Noah and his Family.

I. The Deluge itself. Consider,

1. Its reality.

Those who admit the truth of revelation, do not hold the shadow of a doubt as to the reality of the deluge’97not only detailed as matter of history in this book, but as also referred to in several passages in the New Testament. Christ refers to it, Mat_24:37; 2Pe_2:5, &c. It rests also on the traditions of all nations. Scarcely a people who have not some tradition as to the deluge. The Persians, Egyptians, Chinese, and the Americans. Also, Sir W. Jones discovered that in the oldest books of Indian mythology, there are many records quite resembling the account given by Moses. There are also the natural evidences. It would be impossible for such an event to take place without the earth bearing the abiding evidences of it. Now, do these exist? I just reply,

(1) The loftiest mountains, at the greatest distance from the sea, abound with the remains of various tribes of sea-fish. Marine shells are found imbedded in the soil of mountains 13, or 14,000 feet above the level of the sea.

(2) That the external crust of the earth has been broken is obvious, from vegetable and animal fossils which have been discovered in all depths of the earth that have been examined.

(3) The bones of animals, which could only have existed in hot countries, have been dug out of the earth in great variety, in the coldest regions. Now, I just leave these three kinds of evidence, to support the reality of a deluge having taken place.

2. Consider the means by which it was effected.

None who believe in a Supreme almighty power, will dispute God’s ability to produce a deluge. The opinions of those who have studied natural philosophy, greatly vary. Some suppose it was effected by a comet; others, that by one entire revolution of the earth, the sea was moved out of its place, and covered the face of the earth; and that the bed of the ancient sea became our new earth. There is one simple means by which it might have been easily effected. Water is composed of two gases or airs, oxygen and hydrogen’97eighty-five parts of oxygen, and fifteen hydrogen. An electric spark passing through decomposes them, and converts them into water. So that God, by the power of lightning, could change the whole atmosphere into water, and thus the resources of the flood are at once provided. But read carefully the account given by Moses, chap. 7:11, &c.

3. Consider its universality extended to the whole earth.

All mankind’97all animals, except such as live in the waters. We have heard of destructive floods and inundations desolating districts of countries; but this swept over the face of the wide world; involved all in one common ruin.

4. Consider its terrific character.

Men may suffer great calamities by land or sea, through the appointments of the providence of God. Good men have often thus suffered; but this was the effect of divine indignation; the wrath of God. Here was God justifying his right and authority. The ruler of the universe summoning the elements of nature to punish his rebellious creatures. Scripture records on its pages the fearful calamities God has brought on disobedient persons, and nations’97the stoning of Achan’97the opening of the earth to swallow up Korah, &c. The smiting the presumptuous sinner with disease and sudden death. The destruction of Pharaoh, and his host. The overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah. The destruction of Jeroboam, &c. But, here a world is arraigned, condemned, and destroyed. A whole race is swept away, except Noah and his family. There never was any thing like it, nor ever shall be, except the conflagration of the world by fire at the last day. Notice then,

II. The Procuring cause of the Deluge.

1. Universal wickedness.

Chap. vi. 5-11, 12. The mind was totally alienated. Heart filled with evil, and only evil, and that continually. The cup of evil was full; the fruit ripe for destruction. Cause stated, chap. vi. 1, 2. There was,

2. Impious rejection of Divine influences.

Ver. 3. How he did strive is not said but that he did so, is manifest. It is obvious he strove graciously’97desiring to save them; and the term includes energy and perseverance. God strove long.

3. Final impenitency.

After he had taken the survey, seen the guilt, and determined to punish, yet he gave 120 years’ space for repentance; and, if there had been a turning from sin, &c., as in Nineveh, doubtless, judgment would have been averted. But these years of grace were all abused, and most likely despised. Final impenitence must bring destruction. Notice,

III. The Deliverance of Noah and his Family.

Now, you will see the reasons why God exempted Noah from destruction. See ver 8. If Noah had been like the rest, he would have perished; but Noah,

(1) Was a godly man. (2) He was a just man. (3) He believed in God, and feared and obeyed him, Heb_11:4 : and hence, in the day of wrath, God provided for his security, and saved him and his house from destruction.

Application

1. Learn how fearful is the wrath of God. See a world deluged’97a world destroyed.

2. How dreadful is a state of carnal presumption and security. It is a deadly opiate, destroyer of the soul.

3. The distinctions and rewards which await the righteous. The Lord knoweth, &c. Urge all to repent and flee to Christ, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS