“And they went in unto Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh….” (Genesis 7.15.)
Introduction. Christ always taught by parables. Hence the popularity and power of his teaching. The ark is a fact, not a myth. But I shall take the fact and use it as a parable representing salvation.
(1) Only One Means of Salvation. The whole world was drowned except those happy ones in the ark. There was only one ark. There is only one Saviour: Jesus Christ, the Saviour of sinners. In vain do you climb to the highest pinnacles of worldly merit. You will be damned that way. Do you find the plan of salvation too humbling? Then you must sink, even as the sons of Adam were consumed by the waves. There is one way to be saved. Enter into the ark: take refuge in Christ.
(2) The Size of the Ark. It was a great ark, which held all kinds of creatures; our Christ is a great Refuge, who saves all kinds of sinners. The ark was an immense vessel floating a multitude of animals. Christ’s salvation is immense, and in it shall be found a countless multitude. That saying is still true, “And yet there is room.” There is no room for the Pharisee, the hypocrite, or the formalist. But there is room enough for every convinced sinner under God’s heaven.
(3) The Ark was a Safe Refuge. The ark did not leak. It was a safe place. Christ is a refuge like that. His Gospel has no flaw in it. In Christ, though there will be storms, you will be too high to be swallowed in the quicksands. Christ will preserve you. Salvation in Christ is a sure salvation.
(4) There was Only one Window in the Ark. The creatures in the ark wanted light. Christ is our light. He is revealed by the Holy Ghost. Thus we discern sin, righteousness, and judgment.
(5) The Several Rooms in the Ark. Those who love the Lord are in different denominations, but in the same ark. We all do not exactly agree. Happy is he who can say, ‘Grace be with you all so long as you are in the ark.’ One day we will be all associated together in one general assembly.
(6) There was Only One Door. And so there is only one door into the ark of our salvation, and that is Christ. The giraffes had to go in by the same entrance as the waddling ducks. The lofty ones of this world must bend their stiff necks and bow their proud heads to enter into Christ’s church. He that comes in by the door shall be saved. Jesus says, “I am the door.”
(7) The Several Stories in the Ark. This is a figure of the different kinds of Christians who are carried to heaven. Those on the lower story have little faith and much doubt. Those on the second story find it hard going, but are happier. Those on the upper deck are always encouraging one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. But I am no safer on top than down below. The ark of our salvation shall bring all its living freight into the haven of everlasting rest.
(8) The Different Kinds of Animals. This great ark was meant to save both clean and unclean beasts. Both Satan’s swine and lamb-like sinners must be saved by one common salvation, or not at all. And there were both creeping things and flying things in the ark. Those who fly high in knowledge must come down to the same door that the ignorant ones crawl up to.
Selection from Conclusion. “In Christ there be some out of every nation…kindred, and…tongue.”
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