Noah shows us an example of faith: “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith” (Hebrews 11:7).

Noah was told by God what to do, and he did it. He followed God before the need arose to build the ark. Then, when God gave him the instructions on how to build the ark, he followed them without addition or subtraction.

Surely, Noah had to wonder about building such a craft, but because God said to do it, that was enough for Noah.

In the history of the world to that point there had never been a deluge. It would be within reason to suggest that the people scoffed at Noah for his work.

Yet Noah kept building and preaching (2 Peter 2:5). Some might have quit, but not Noah. Others would have had to change the design to fit their want, but not Noah.

Today, we need more people to be like Noah. The world needs people who are looking to follow God, looking to find out what his will is for them; people who, when they find the truth, are willing to do as it says without addition or subtraction.

Many today want to seek God on their terms, and not his.

With the attitudes of some, the ark might have had six floors and a dozen doors. Surely, more room and access would make the ark more comfortable for all on board. With all the extra room, more animals could have been accommodated.

Definitely, God would have to be pleased with such an effort; he surely would have understood if Noah had changed things just a bit.

The words of Samuel to King Saul come to mind when things like this are offered as a reason to go beyond God’s instructions. “And Samuel said, ‘Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry’” (1 Samuel. 15:22-23).

Just like God expected Noah to do as he said, he expects man today to do his commands, not what man thinks God wants.

God has meticulously brought the opportunity of salvation to mankind. It is not a haphazard plan for man to follow.

He provided the sacrifice (Christ), he had his word recorded so man could know God’s law, and he has had patience so that man could have time to obey him.

What is left to be done? It is for man today to do as Noah did: “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he” (Genesis 6:22). The word of God tells man how to accept God’s grace. Salvation is offered to all, but just as a gift must be received to be enjoyed, so must God’s grace be received. Man must have faith as Noah had faith. Man must repent of sins, confess that Jesus is the Son of God and be baptized for the remission of sins. Just as Noah was saved by water, so must man be today (1 Peter 3:20-21).

If you had built the ark, would it have stayed afloat, or would it have been the end of mankind? Obey God while you have the time and opportunity to do so.