No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.” – Matthew 24:36-41
The door to Noah’s ark represents salvation. As the door to the ark was the only way to preserve life, so Jesus is the only way to eternal life with God (Jn. 14:6).
(Source: alittleperspective.com)
Although we don’t know the exact time Christ will return, Jesus tells us to be watchful (Matthew 24; Mark 13:32-37; Luke 21:34-38). As the pre-flood days of violence and evil foreshadowed the coming world-wide flood, so will conditions in the last days foretell an even greater destruction for those who have rejected God’s son, Jesus Christ.
What Are these Conditions?
Henry Morris summarizes some similar characteristics of the pre-flood era to conditions in these last days preceding Christ’s return:
- Preoccupation with physical appetites (Luke 17:27)
- Rapid advances in technology (Genesis 4:22)
- Grossly materialistic attitudes and interests (Luke 17:28)
- Uniformitarian philosophies (Hebrews 11:7)
- Inordinate devotion to pleasure and comfort (Genesis 4:21)
- No concern for God in either belief or conduct (2 Peter 2:5; Jude 15)
- Disregard for the sacredness of the marriage relation (Matthew 34:38)
- Rejection of the inspired Word of God (1 Peter 3:19)
- Population explosion (Genesis 6:1, 11)
- Widespread violence (Genesis 6:11, 13)
- Corruption throughout society (Genesis 6:12)
- Preoccupation with illicit sex activity (Genesis 4:19; 6:2)
- Widespread words and thoughts of blasphemy (Jude 15)
- Organized Satanic activity (Genesis 6:1-4)
- Promulgation of systems and movements of abnormal depravity (Genesis 6:5, 12)
Sound familiar?
As the flood in Noah’s day was swift and sudden, so will the return of Christ be. This should motivate us to obey Him every day. Jesus’ warns us to be ready for His return (Mt. 24).
Like Noah, are we in right standing with God?
Will Christ find faith and obedience in us when He returns?
Next week I’ll explore more of Noah’s life and why he found favor (grace) in God’s eyes.
Have a great week!
kdmanestreet 