Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Jan 3rd Sealed in: The Blessing of Eternal Security

Today’s Passage – Genesis 7 – 9 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 5 – 6; Proverbs 3 ; Psalms 11 – 15

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 18:3 & 46

Read the “0103 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“15 And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, wherein is the breath of life. 16 And they that went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him: and the LORD shut him in.“ (Gen 7:15-16)

“30 … ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.” (Eph 4:30)

The Judgment of the Flood

In our text today, we read that the ark, which took one hundred years to prepare, was finally finished and ready to provide safety for Noah, his family, and all the animals as the great judgment of water that God had promised was imminent. God had warned Noah a century before that He was going to destroy the earth through a worldwide flood because the wickedness of the earth had become so “great,” to the extent that God determined that he would destroy every air-breathing creature.

5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. 7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.” (Gen 6:5-7)

The Ark of Grace

God promised, however, to spare Noah and his family because “Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8), and Noah was “seen righteous” (Gen 7:1) by God, meaning that because he was a man of faith; because he believed God, God saw him as positionally righteous. His sin was removed and the righteousness of Christ was imputed to him. This is what happens to believers when they receive Christ. They become the children of God and receive the righteousness of God:

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:” (Jhn 1:12)

“21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:” (Rom 3:21-22)

This same principle of faith-righteousness applied to Abraham centuries later:

“Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” (Gal 3:6)

The Sealed Door Providing Safety

Just as the rain was starting and after everyone had entered the ark, we are told that “the Lord shut [them] in.” It is interesting that the Scripture tells us that God was the one who sealed them within the ark. I am sure the ark was designed with water tight mechanisms that would have allowed Noah to close the door himself and keep the water out. Yet, it clearly states that God was the one who shut them in. Now, to be truthful, I am not sure how God did that, but I am sure that whatever seal God placed upon the door provided the needed protection against the rising water and also from the people who had initially refused Noah’s invitations and pleadings as a preacher of righteousness (2 Pe 2:5). As the water rose, I am sure that people were trying to figure out ways to get on board the ark.

The Pictures Provided of Salvation and Eternal Security

Though on the surface this passage is merely teaching that God provided safety and protection for Noah, his family, and all the animals so that they would one day be able to repopulate the earth, there is also some vivid pictures that we can see from it.

• The Picture of Salvation

The door of the ark is a picture of salvation through Jesus Christ. Noah and his family had to choose to believe God, build the ark, and enter into it through the door. It was only inside the door that they would find safety. Jesus tells us that He is our door of salvation:

“7 Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9 I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (Jhn 10:7-10)

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (Jhn 14:6)

• The Picture of Eternal Security

God shutting the door and sealing them in is a picture of eternal security. God sealed them into their place of safety:

“10 The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Pro 18:10)

“27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one.” (Jhn 10:27-30)

“13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,“ (Ephesians 1:13)

“6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Phil 1:6)

Just as our salvation was a work of God’s Holy Spirit, apart from our own good works, our sanctification and eternal security are also works of God. We are completely secure in Christ. What a blessing it is to know beyond any doubt that there is a home awaiting me in Heaven and that my salvation is completely secure in Christ.

Have you entered through the Door—Jesus Christ? If you’re not yet sealed in Christ, trust Him today. Receive Him as your Savior—He promises eternal life.

Today, if you are trusting in Christ alone, rest in this truth: God has sealed you and nothing can separate you from His love:

“37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, 39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“ (Rom 8:37-39)

Read previous posts from today’s passage:

• It Doesn’t Take Long, Does It?
• A Token 
• Too Old To Do Something for the Lord? 
• The Law of First Mention Regarding Wine  
• The Dove Flew Away 
• Seen as Righteous.