THE CLOSED THE DOOR

And they went into the ark to Noah, two by two, of all flesh in which is the breath of life. So those that entered, male and female of all flesh, went in as God had commanded him; and the LORD shut him in. (Genesis 7:15-16 NKJV)

We usually think of closed doors in a negative way. But there was one closed door that saved humanity from extinction. Dr. Charles Shaw, my godly Genesis professor, in discussing the Noahic flood, concluded with a subtle smile, “If the LORD had not closed the door, I wouldn’t believe a word of it!” We Bible college students, somber, serious, and deadly literal as we were, had to think about that for a while.

There is a great deal of typology in the recorded history of Noah and the flood. The flood waters foreshadow the coming judgment of this earth—by fire next time! The apostle Peter connects the Noahic flood with that final conflagration:

“For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” (2 Peter 3:5-7 ESV)

Noah is a type of Christ who through his obedience provides salvation for all who will come to him. The ark itself pictures salvation for the family of God (pictured in Noah’s family), as well as for all of creation.

“For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.” (Romans 8:19-21 ESV)

And then there is the closed door! It was not Noah who closed the door, thus securing the salvation of all inside the ark. It was the LORD God Himself! We are secure within the ark of salvation because God closed the door! And that door will not be opened until the dove returns with a fresh olive branch from the new earth. (Genesis 8:11)

Jesus said, “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 salvation of all who have heard the Savior’s voice and entered the sheepfold by faith is certain:

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father's hand.” (John 10:27-29 NKJV)

Those inside the ark of salvation are safe because God closed the door!