The Gospel of Christ – Our Spiritual Refuge

Understand the Symbolism of Noah’s Ark as a Spiritual Refuge

“Make thee an ark …”
~ Genesis 6: 14 ~

And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood.
~ Genesis 7:23 ~

God uses symbols to teach gospel truths. In the New Testament, Peter explained that the flood was a “like figure” or symbol of baptism (1 Peter 3:20–21). Just as the earth was immersed in water, so we must be baptized by water and by the Spirit before we can enter the celestial kingdom. Also, Noah himself was a symbol of Christ. It was necessary for any living creature who wished to be saved to come “unto Noah into the ark” (Genesis 7:9, 15).
~ Noah – Overview ~

In Word: Noah’s Ark is symbolic to Christ and the Infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. It is a prototype that gives us an understanding of the Savior and His divine mission in the plan of salvation. This is evident in 1 Peter 3:20-21. Noah and his family were saved of (or through) water from the spiritual decay and immorality surrounding them. The flood destroying the old life in order to bring about a newness of life. It is the very nature and covenant of our baptism. The Apostle Paul taught that when we enter into the waters of baptism, we are putting to death the old man with Christ, burying the old man with Christ, and rising up with newness of life in Christ (Romans 6:3-18).

Thus, Noah’s Ark shows us our Heavenly Father’s plan and provision of salvation through the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ. Because of this provision of our Heavenly Father, we are justified and spared from God’s wrath as we find refuge in the Gospel of Christ. The reason for this is because Christ is the only way to eternal life and salvation (John 14:6). Just as the Ark had one single door for entry – so also is there only one entry into the Kingdom of God – that is through the infinite atonement of Jesus Christ.

Another symbolism of the Ark rests upon the word Kaphar which means to make atonement or to cover. Noah was commanded of God to make thee an ark of gopher wood: rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without pitch (Genesis 6:14). Because of the Plan of Salvation, and our obedience in making and receiving the ordinances of the Gospel and making those covenants, we are covered by the righteousness of Christ.

Noah’s Ark is also a symbolism of our security in Christ when we come unto Him. It is the invitation for us to come in and find refuge, to be secure in our faith, and to have hope in the reality of our Heavenly Father’s plan.

In Deed: We are all invited to come unto Christ and to follow him. This begins when we are convicted in our hearts, when there is a mighty change (Mosiah 5:2 and Alma 5:14) and are born again (John 1). It is when we make those initial covenants at our baptism and renew those covenants every time we partake of the Sacrament of bread and water. The bread a symbolism of Christ’s broken body. The Water symbolizing the blood our Savior shed for us. Additional covenants are made when we prepare and enter into the Temple and receive those sacred ordinances of blessings of marriage and endowments.

Not only are we invited to come unto Christ, but we are also invited to follow Him and strive to live our lives according to the will of our Heavenly Father. To submit our hearts, mind, soul, and will to God. To hearken unto Him, heed the teachings and messages we receive. And walk in faithful obedience to all teachings and commandments of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. In doing so, we may find refuge and spiritual protection from the adversary and those who want to claim dominion over our hearts and minds.

Take a Moment and Ponder: Living the Gospel of Jesus Christ is our spiritual refuge. It is significantly important to live them out today. To honor those covenants, we have made with our Heavenly Father. How do those covenant you have made help you find refuge and safety in the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Are you willing to come unto Christ and receive the ordinances of the Gospel? Willing to have a mighty change of heart? If you have struggled and need to work through repentance and forgiveness, what is preventing you from returning to the faith and finding spiritual refuge in the Gospel of Christ?