When it comes to the association of the number forty with judgment, there is probably no better example in all of Scripture than the flood, which was precipitated by forty days and nights of rain.

According to the Scripture, the prediluvian world’s refusal to believe and enter into God’s ark resulted in its condemnation. It was subsequently destroyed outside the ark by the judgment of God in the form of the floodwaters of the world. On the other hand, Noah’s willingness to believe and enter into God’s ark resulted in the salvation of him and his family. Inside God’s ark of safety, they were delivered from God’s judgment of a sin-cursed world.

The ark was an Old Testament type-of-Christ. For instance, today it is those who refuse to believe and come to Christ who are condemned. Being found outside of Christ—God’s present-day “ark” of safety—they will be judged and destroyed. On the other hand, all who believe and come to Christ today are saved. Being found in Christ—God’s present-day “ark” of safety—they will be delivered from God’s judgment of a sin-cursed world. Whereas those outside of Christ are destined for judgment, everyone in Christ is eternally safe and secure. 

Thanks to God’s ark of safety, Noah came to a brand new life (Genesis 9:1-7). Likewise, thanks to Christ, the Christian comes to a brand new life (Romans 6:4). Whereas Noah owed his new life to a literal ark and type-of-Christ, the Christian owes his new life to what Noah’s ark only typified; namely, Christ Himself!

Do you remember the words of Jesus in John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture”? There was only one door for Noah and his family to board the ark. Likewise, there is only one door for you and your family to board God’s ark of deliverance. Your only hope of salvation is faith in Christ, who alone is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).