FLOOD

What Is the Flood in the Bible?
The Flood, recorded in Genesis 6-8, was the most widespread disaster ever to affect 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. 
  • The Flood is the best explanation of the fossil record (millions of fossils found, wildly buried together), as opposed to the evolutionary theory of geology (gradualism). 
  • It is a graphic example of God's displeasure with human rebellion; it was a judgment against a corrupt ancient world (Gen. 6:5, 7, 13; Lk. 17:26-27; 1 Pet. 3:20). 
  • The Flood's alteration of Earth's geophysical features provides a partial explanation for the great disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, etc.) that still plague humanity. This is part of the price of human rebellion. 
  • 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 water, so 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). 
  • The evidence of the Flood is a perpetual warning of the universal judgment awaiting this planet at the time of Christ's return (Mt. 24:37-39; 2 Pet. 3:1ff).

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Adapted from the book "Bible Words and Theological Terms Made Easy" by Wayne Jackson