FLOOD

The Flood, recorded in Genesis 6-8, was the most widespread disaster ever to effect this planet. Waters from the atmosphere above, and from chasms beneath the earth, inundated the entire globe (Gen. 7:19, 21; cf. 2 Pet. 3:6). More than 200 traditions of an ancient, universal flood, from which only a few people were saved, are found among the various nations of the earth. The Flood is significant from several vantage points. (a) The Flood is the best explanation of the fossil record (millions of fossils being found, wildly buried together), as opposed to the evolutionary theory of geology (gradualism). (b) It reflects a graphic example of God's displeasure with human rebellion; it was a judgment against a corrupt antique world (Gen. 6:5, 7, 13; Lk. 17:26-27; 1 Pet. 3:20). (c) The Flood's alteration of Earth's geophysical features provides a partial explanation for the great disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.) that plague man yet today. This is a part of the price of human rebellion. (d) The Flood narrative presents a "type" (symbolic picture) of our salvation. As Noah and his family were delivered from the corruption of a godless environment by means of water, so similarly, we are moved from a domain of evil (called "the world" -- Col. 1:13) to an "in Christ" relationship, by means of the requirement of baptism (1 Pet. 3:20-21). (e) The evidence of the Flood is a perpetual warning of universal judgment that awaits this planet at the time of Christ's return (Mt. 24:37-39; 2 Pet. 3:1ff).