Things That Were Written Aforetime...

In Genesis 6-9, we read about the destruction of the world by the wrath of God and also the salvation of Noah by the grace of God. This is a Bible story familiar to all, and it is so familiar, that Peter used it as an illustration to demonstrate our own salvation. In 1 Peter 3:18-22, Peter made reference to the salvation of Noah and his family and then declared in verse 21, “The like figure whereunto, baptism doth also now save us...” The phrase “like figure whereunto” demonstrates that the salvation of Noah is a figure, or an example, of how we too are saved by God. Consider the following parallels between Noah’s salvation and ours.

Saved By Grace

In Genesis 6:8 the Bible reveals, “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.” Noah did not know anything about God’s decision to destroy the world until God revealed it to him. Furthermore, he could not have done anything of his own accord to save himself had God not revealed that to him as well. This grace, or favor, was bestowed upon Noah before he was actually saved. The grace itself did not save him, but gave him access to the process by which he would be saved.

The like figure whereunto, Ephesians 2:8 declares that we too, are saved by the grace of God. This favor is bestowed upon us because of the Love of God for humanity (John 3:16). And just as it was with Noah, this grace does not itself save us, but grants us access to the process by which God saves us from everlasting damnation.

Saved By Faith

Hebrews 11:7 also tells us that Noah was saved by faith, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house...” Since faith comes by the word of God (Rom 10:17), it is easy to see how that Noah had faith (belief through knowledge) of what was to happen and what he needed to do, because God told him (Gen 6:9-7:10).

The like figure whereunto we are also saved by faith (Eph 2:8). It is by hearing the word of God that we have faith that the Lord will come again and all shall stand before God to be judged. And it is by this same faith, which proceeds from the Word of God, that we know what we must do to be saved.

Saved By Obedience

It is also in Hebrews 11:7 that we learn that Noah was saved by obedience. The verse clearly states that Noah, “moved” and “prepared.” In other words, he did what God told him to do. In Genesis 6:22 the Bible testifies, “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Chapter 7 and verses 5,9, and 16 declare the same thing. Noah was saved because he was obedient to God’s plan for his salvation.

The like figure whereunto we are also saved when we are obedient to God’s plan for our salvation. Hebrews 5:9 tells us that Jesus, “became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” In order for man

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