A Universal Flood?

Bulletin

Dan Peters
01/14/24 - Judgement

A Universal Flood?

Here are six reasons Whitcomb and Morris give for considering the flood of Noah’s day to have been universal. 1. The Depth of the flood. “The water prevailed more and more upon the earth, so that all the high mountains everywhere under the heavens were covered. The water prevailed fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered. (Gen. 7:19-20). The mountains may not have been nearly as high as they are today, but the Ark floated about 22 feet above the mountains. 2. The Duration of the Flood. The Flood lasted about 371 days, which would be incompatible with only a local flood. 3. The Geology of the Flood. “on the same day all the fountains of the great deep burst open” (Gen. 7:11), which lasted 150 days before they were closed (8:2). 4. Size of the Ark. It was approximately 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, 45 feet high, built with three decks holding 1,396,000 cubic feet (p.10 THE GENESIS FLOOD, John Whitcomb & Henry Morris). 5. The Need for an Ark. If it was only a local flood, why not simply move out of the danger zone like Lot did from Sodom ? 6. The Testimony of the Apostle Peter. Skeptics will say, “Where is the promise of His coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation.” For when they maintain this, it escapes their notice that by the word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was formed out of water and by water, through which the world at that time was destroyed, being flooded with water. But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. (2Peter 3:4-7). If the flood of Noah’s day was only a local flood, a local judgement, then will the final day of judgment be only local and only some to be judged? Jesus didn’t think so; note the word “all” in his statement, “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:28-29).
Would God really destroy the whole human race, except a few, 8 souls in the ark? If we say, “no”, maybe it is because we don’t know God like we think we do. If we say, “yes”, then let us prepare for the great day that is coming. “what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat!” (2Peter 3:12). Lord, help us be ready for that day. Amen. Dan Peters