Gospel Outreach International

Have you ever wondered what it truly means when we say that God provides a way of salvation for all people? This Bible study on Noah’s Ark explores Genesis chapters 6-9, examining one of the most powerful Old Testament pictures of God’s grace and judgment. Through the account of the ark’s single door—open for all who would enter, yet ultimately closed by God Himself—we discover timeless truths about faith, obedience, and the security believers have in Christ. Just as Noah and his family found safety within the ark from the coming flood, we learn how God still offers refuge from judgment through Jesus Christ, who declared, “I am the door.”

Then the LORD said to Noah, “Go into the ark, you and all your household, for I have seen that you are righteous before me in this generation.” Genesis 7:1

• Noah was both a builder and a preacher of righteousness during the construction of the ark, which likely took around 120 years
• The ark had only one door, representing the singular way of salvation through Jesus Christ
• Before the flood, the earth had never experienced rain—God watered the earth through dew
• The open door represented God’s grace and opportunity for salvation available to all
• When God closed the door, it provided security for those inside but judgment for those outside
• The flood came from three sources: fountains of the deep, the firmament breaking, and 40 days and 40 nights of rain
• Noah waited for God’s command before leaving the ark, demonstrating obedience and patience
• The rainbow serves as God’s covenant promise never to destroy the earth by flood again
• Noah’s greatness came from doing everything the Lord commanded him
• Faith is essential—without faith, it is impossible to please God
• Christians enjoy double protection, being held in both God’s hand and Christ’s hand
• Even after salvation, believers may stumble, but confession restores fellowship without breaking the relationship

Then God said to Noah, Genesis 8:15

What a beautiful picture Noah’s ark gives us of God’s faithfulness and love! Throughout this study, we’ve seen how Jesus is at the very heart of this ancient story. He is the door—the only way to safety and salvation. Just as God sealed Noah and his family inside the ark, protecting them completely from the judgment outside, Jesus offers us that same eternal security. We’re held safely in His hand and the Father’s hand—double protection that nothing can break. And here’s the wonderful truth: even when we mess up (and we all do, just like Noah did after the flood), our relationship with God isn’t destroyed. We might lose some fellowship, sure, but we’re still His children, still secure, still loved. The rainbow reminds us that God keeps His promises, and the greatest promise of all is that in Christ, we are safe forever. So let’s live like it! Let’s be those joyful, grateful, obedient people who do whatever He says, because serving Him is the absolute best way to live. After all, “underneath are the arms of God”—what a firm resting place that is!

Bible References

• Genesis 7-9:
• 2 Peter 2:5
• Genesis 6:3
• Psalm 90
• Romans 12
• Hebrews 11
• Revelation 3:20
• Psalm 34:7
• Romans 6