In what ways can we "become heirs of righteousness" through faith like Noah? Setting the scene: Hebrews 11:7 “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in godly fear built an ark to save his family. By faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” What made Noah an heir of righteousness? • He believed God’s word even when there was no visible evidence (Genesis 6:13–17). • He acted immediately and thoroughly on God’s instructions (Genesis 6:22). • He persevered for years amid ridicule and moral darkness (2 Peter 2:5). • His obedience became a silent judgment on an unbelieving culture (Hebrews 11:7b). • God declared him righteous because of that faith-filled obedience (Genesis 7:1). How we become heirs of righteousness today 1. Receive the warning and promise in God’s Word – “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) – Like Noah, we trust what God says about judgment and salvation (John 3:36). 2. Respond with obedient faith – “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) – Saving faith produces works that match the message (James 2:17, 26). 3. Seek refuge in God’s provided Ark—Christ – The ark saved Noah; Christ saves all who enter by faith (1 Peter 3:20–22). – “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) 4. Stand apart from the world’s unbelief – Noah’s life “condemned the world”; ours does too when we walk in light (Ephesians 5:8–11). – We refuse to “love the world” (1 John 2:15–17) while loving the people in it. 5. Persevere until the promise is fulfilled – Noah kept building until the first raindrop; we endure “until the appearing of our Savior” (Titus 2:13). – “The one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13) Key traits that mark heirs of righteousness • Reverent fear—taking God seriously (Proverbs 1:7) • Active obedience—doing what He says (Luke 6:46–49) • Patient endurance—waiting as long as it takes (Hebrews 10:36) • Prophetic witness—living differently, speaking truth (Philippians 2:15–16) • Humble dependence—trusting grace, not self-effort (Ephesians 2:8–9) Assured blessings for modern-day heirs • Justification now: “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God.” (Romans 5:1) • Adoption: “If we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” (Romans 8:17) • Inheritance of the new creation: “According to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:13) Practical next steps - Immerse daily in Scripture; let God’s warning and promise shape your worldview. - Identify one clear command of Jesus and obey it today. - Share why you trust Christ, even if society mocks or misunderstands. - Join with like-minded believers for mutual encouragement, just as Noah’s family stood together. - Keep your eyes on the coming fulfillment—rainbows now, full glory soon. God credited righteousness to Noah because he believed and acted on God’s word. The same unchanging God declares us righteous when we set our faith wholly on His Son, walk in obedient trust, and persevere until every promise is sight. |
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