Unveiling the Biblical Truth: The Global Flood Account

The Global Flood According to the New Testament

The story of Noah's Flood is often viewed skeptically by those who see it as a myth or borrowed from other ancient writings. However, as Christians, it is important to consider what Jesus and the New Testament authors believed about the Flood. By examining the New Testament, we can gain insight into the historical context and significance of Noah's Flood.

The World at the Time of Noah

In the time of Noah, people were going about their daily lives, unaware of the impending disaster. Jesus describes this period as a time of normal activities, such as eating, drinking, marrying, and giving in marriage (Matthew 24:38-39). However, the culture of that time was deeply immoral, as Peter refers to it as "the world of the ungodly" (2 Peter 2:5). Additionally, there were angels who sinned during this period (2 Peter 2:4). While the New Testament does not explicitly state what this sin was, it aligns with Genesis 6, which suggests that angels took human wives and fathered the Nephilim.

The Ark and Its Passengers

Noah, by faith, constructed an ark to save his household from the impending flood (Hebrews 11:7). According to Peter, only eight people were saved in the Ark (1 Peter 3:20): Noah and seven others (2 Peter 2:5). Everyone else perished in the Flood (Luke 17:27).

The Extent of the Flood

The Flood described in Noah's story was not a local event but a global catastrophe that destroyed all human civilization at that time (Matthew 24:39; Luke 17:27; 2 Peter 2:5; 3:5-6). The New Testament emphasizes its global nature. According to 2 Peter 3:6, the Flood destroyed "the world of that time," contrasting it with "the present heavens and earth" mentioned in the following verse. This destruction extended to the entire world, returning creation to a watery chaos. The Flood was both anthropologically universal and globally catastrophic.

The Promise

God made a promise to Noah never to flood the earth again, symbolized by the rainbow surrounding His throne in Heaven (Revelation 4:3). Ridiculed by both secularists and some Christians who doubt its historicity, the concept of a global Flood is crucial. God's promise would be broken if it were merely a local flood, as there have been countless local floods throughout history.

New Testament Theology of the Flood

The New Testament authors consider Genesis as history and use historical events as examples or precedents to support their theological arguments. They focus on what these events reveal about God. In the Flood narrative, God's righteousness is evident as He judges both angels and people for their sin but spares the righteous (2 Peter 2:4-5). Peter uses this story to teach that God can still judge sin and preserve the righteous today (2 Peter 2:9-10).

However, God exercises patience in His judgment, just as He did during Noah's time (2 Peter 3). While God patiently waits for more people to come to faith, Jesus warns that His second coming will be sudden and unexpected, just like the Flood (Matthew 24, Luke 17). Those who do not believe before it is too late will face the consequences. This serves as a reminder that God's purposes are not influenced by human opinions or beliefs.

Christian Theology is Tied to History

In the New Testament, theology and history are intrinsically linked. History without correct interpretation holds no meaning, and theology lacks a foundation without accurate history. Each time the New Testament authors refer to a historical fact, it is to demonstrate how God has worked in the past. They do not aim to convince the audience of the historicity of Noah's Flood, assuming that their readers already believe in the Scriptures.

Rejecting the history accepted by the New Testament authors undermines their theological arguments. It is inconsistent to say, "Peter was wrong about a global Flood, but his theology is still accurate." The confidence the New Testament authors placed in the Bible's history should inspire believers to have equal confidence.

Why This Matters: Understanding the New Testament's perspective on Noah's Flood helps Christians establish a strong foundation for their faith. It affirms the historical reality of the Flood and reinforces theological teachings about God's judgment and righteousness. By recognizing the global extent of the Flood, believers can appreciate God's promise never to send such a catastrophe again.

Think About It: How does recognizing Noah's Flood as a global event impact your understanding of God's judgment and His promise? How does it influence your confidence in the historical accuracy of other biblical accounts?