Text: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8, KJV)
Introduction
The story of Noah is not just about a man who built an ark; it is the testimony of God’s grace displayed in a dark and corrupt generation. When the world was filled with wickedness, violence, and rebellion against God, Noah stood out as a man who found grace in the eyes of the Lord. This single verse—“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8)—is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the world becomes, God’s grace still shines upon those who walk with Him in faith.
Believers today can learn valuable lessons from Noah’s life. His story encourages us to cling to God’s grace, remain faithful in a world that mocks righteousness, and trust in God’s provision for salvation.
1. The Condition of the World in Noah’s Day
Genesis describes the spiritual state of Noah’s generation with sobering words:
“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” (Genesis 6:5)
The earth was corrupted by violence, immorality, and godlessness. Humanity had drifted so far from the Creator that God was grieved in His heart (Genesis 6:6). Yet, in the midst of widespread corruption, one man stood out—not because he was flawless, but because he found grace.
This is a reminder for us as believers. We live in a time when wickedness seems to multiply, when moral decay is celebrated, and when righteousness is ridiculed. But just as Noah lived differently, believers are called to be separate, walking by faith and not conforming to the world’s corruption (Romans 12:2).
2. Grace – God’s Unmerited Favor
The key phrase in Genesis 6:8 is that Noah “found grace.” Grace is not earned, nor is it deserved; it is the unmerited favor of God. Noah was not saved because he was perfect—he was saved because God extended His grace toward him.
Ephesians 2:8–9 echoes this truth for all believers:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Noah’s story foreshadows the truth of salvation by grace. Just as the ark was provided as a place of refuge from judgment, Jesus Christ is the ark of salvation for all who believe in Him. Noah didn’t escape the flood because of his own strength or wisdom, but because of the grace of God that gave him direction, protection, and deliverance.
3. Noah’s Response to Grace
Grace does not lead to passivity; it compels obedience. After Noah received God’s instructions about the coming flood, the Bible records:
“Thus Noah did; according to all that God commanded him, so he did.” (Genesis 6:22)
Noah’s obedience was the evidence of his faith. Hebrews 11:7 explains:
“By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.”
Noah believed God’s word about the coming judgment, even though rain had never fallen from the sky before. His faith led him to obey, and his obedience resulted in salvation for himself and his family. As believers, when we truly receive God’s grace, it should produce in us a life of faith and obedience.
4. The Ark as a Picture of Salvation
The ark that Noah built is a powerful symbol of God’s plan of salvation. Just as Noah and his family entered the ark and were safe from the floodwaters, so believers who are “in Christ” are safe from the judgment of sin.
Jesus declared: “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)
The ark had only one door (Genesis 6:16), symbolizing that there is only one way to God—through Jesus Christ (John 14:6). Those outside the ark perished, but those inside were secure. Likewise, those who reject God’s grace remain under judgment, but those who accept His grace in Christ receive eternal life.
5. Lessons for Believers Today
Noah’s story offers timeless truths for every believer:
a) Stand Firm in a Corrupt World
Noah lived in a society where godliness was despised, yet he remained faithful. Believers today are called to shine as lights in a crooked and perverse generation (Philippians 2:15).
b) Live by Faith, Not by Sight
Noah obeyed God concerning things not yet seen (Hebrews 11:7). Likewise, believers must trust God’s promises even when circumstances seem uncertain.
c) Lead Your Family in Righteousness
Noah’s faith impacted his household. He built the ark not just for himself, but for his family’s salvation. As believers, our walk with God should influence our homes, teaching the next generation to know the Lord.
d) Remember Grace is the Foundation
Noah’s story begins with grace and ends with deliverance. Believers must never forget that it is only by God’s grace that we are saved, sustained, and secured for eternity.
6. God’s Judgment and Mercy
The flood was an act of divine judgment, but it was also an act of mercy. God gave Noah 120 years to build the ark, a time during which the world had the opportunity to repent (Genesis 6:3; 2 Peter 3:9). Sadly, the people refused to listen.
Jesus compared the days of Noah to the last days before His return:
“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24:37–39)
Believers must remain watchful and prepared, living holy lives as we await the return of our Lord.
Conclusion
The message of “Noah found grace” is not just ancient history; it is a present reality. Just as Noah was preserved by God’s grace in a time of judgment, believers today are preserved through the grace of Jesus Christ. The same God who extended grace to Noah extends grace to all who will believe and obey Him.
Believer, remember this: You are not saved because of your strength, wisdom, or works—you are saved because of God’s grace. Walk in that grace, respond with faith and obedience, and trust in the eternal salvation provided through Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of grace that You revealed in the life of Noah and that You have given to us through Jesus Christ. Help us to walk faithfully in a corrupt world, to obey Your word with reverence, and to trust fully in Your salvation. May our lives reflect Your grace and draw others to the safety found in You alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to “find grace in the eyes of the Lord” in your own life?
- How does Noah’s obedience challenge you to respond to God’s instructions?
- In what ways does the ark symbolize the salvation believers have in Jesus Christ?
- How can you remain faithful in a world that increasingly rejects God?
- What steps can you take to ensure your family is influenced by your faith in God?
📖 “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.” (Genesis 6:8)