Faith & Reason Nexus

The Ark and the Church share many symbolic parallels, emphasizing God’s plan for salvation and His provision for His people. Both serve as vessels of salvation, protecting those inside from destruction. Here’s a comparison between the Ark in Noah’s time and the Church in the New Testament:

One BUILDER

• ARK: Noah – Genesis 6:13-22
  Noah, under God’s direction, was tasked with building the Ark to preserve life during the flood.
• CHURCH: Christ – Matthew 16:18
  Jesus is the builder of His Church, which He established upon Himself as the cornerstone.

One MATERIAL

• ARK: Gopher Wood – Genesis 6:14
  The Ark was made from specific wood (gopher wood), chosen by God for its durability.
• CHURCH: Lively Stones – 1 Peter 2:5
  The Church is built from living stones—believers who are transformed by Christ and united in Him.

One LIGHT

• ARK: Window – Genesis 6:16
  The Ark had a window for light, allowing those inside to see and endure during the flood.
• CHURCH: Bible – Psalm 119:105
  The Word of God is the light for the Church, guiding and illuminating the path of believers.

One ENTRANCE

• ARK: Door – Genesis 6:16
  The Ark had a single door, through which those saved could enter.
• CHURCH: Christ – John 10:9
  Jesus is the only entrance to salvation and the Church. He says, “I am the door.”

One FAMILY

• ARK: Noah’s Family – Genesis 6:18
  Noah’s family was saved through the Ark, representing the preservation of the faithful.
• CHURCH: God’s Family – Galatians 3:26
  Believers in Christ are part of God’s family, adopted as children of God through faith.

One NAME

• ARK: Noah’s Name – Genesis 6:18
  Noah’s name was associated with the Ark as the vessel of salvation.
• CHURCH: Christian – Acts 11:26
  Believers are called Christians, taking the name of Christ, their Savior.

One BUILDING

• ARK: The Ark – Genesis 6:14
  The Ark itself was a physical structure, a refuge built by Noah.
• CHURCH: The Church – Ephesians 3:10
  The Church is God’s spiritual house, a living structure built on the foundation of Christ.

One SALVATION

• ARK: In the Ark – Genesis 7:21-23
  Those who were inside the Ark were saved from the flood, the judgment of God.
• CHURCH: In Christ & the Church – Acts 2:47
  Salvation is found in Christ and His Church, as God adds believers to His body, the Church.

One DESTRUCTION

• ARK: All Outside the Ark – Genesis 7:21
  Those outside the Ark perished in the flood, symbolizing the fate of those who reject God’s provision.
• CHURCH: All Outside Christ – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
  Those who reject Christ face eternal destruction, as there is no salvation outside of Him.

One HOPE

• ARK: New World – Genesis 8
  The Ark gave hope of a new world after the flood, where God’s creation would be renewed.
• CHURCH: Eternal Life – 1 Peter 1:3-4
  The Church offers the hope of eternal life with God, a future inheritance that is imperishable and kept in heaven for believers.

Conclusion:

The Ark and the Church both serve as symbols of God’s salvation and protection. Just as Noah and his family were saved from the flood within the Ark, those in Christ are saved from spiritual destruction and have the hope of eternal life. The parallels between the two highlight the unity of God’s salvation plan, from Noah’s time to the establishment of the Church under Christ.