Lifeboat
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In the context of biblical themes and narratives, the concept of a "lifeboat" is not directly mentioned in Scripture, as the technology and terminology are modern developments. However, the idea of a vessel or means of salvation from perilous waters is a recurring motif in the Bible, symbolizing divine deliverance and protection.

Noah's Ark

The most prominent biblical narrative that parallels the concept of a lifeboat is the account of Noah's Ark. In Genesis 6-9, God instructs Noah to build an ark to save his family and pairs of every living creature from the impending flood. The ark serves as a vessel of salvation, preserving life amidst the judgment of the floodwaters. Genesis 7:23 states, "Every living thing on the face of the earth was destroyed—man and livestock, crawling creatures and birds of the air; they were blotted out from the earth, and only Noah and those with him in the ark remained."

Jonah and the Great Fish

Another narrative that reflects the lifeboat theme is the account of Jonah. When Jonah is thrown overboard during a violent storm, God provides a great fish to swallow him, preserving his life. Jonah 1:17 records, "Now the LORD had appointed a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of the fish." This miraculous provision serves as a lifeboat, saving Jonah from drowning and ultimately leading to his repentance and obedience to God's call.

Paul's Shipwreck

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul's shipwreck on his journey to Rome (Acts 27) illustrates God's providential care in the midst of maritime disaster. Although the ship is destroyed, all aboard are brought safely to land. Acts 27:44 recounts, "The rest were to follow on planks and various parts of the ship. In this way everyone was brought safely to land." While not a lifeboat in the traditional sense, the broken pieces of the ship serve as a means of deliverance for Paul and his companions.

Symbolism of Salvation

The lifeboat, as a symbol, can be seen as a representation of God's saving grace through Jesus Christ. Just as a lifeboat rescues individuals from physical danger, Christ offers salvation from spiritual peril. In John 3:16 , it is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse encapsulates the ultimate deliverance offered through faith in Christ, akin to being rescued from the stormy seas of sin and death.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not explicitly mention lifeboats, the underlying principle of divine rescue and protection is evident throughout its pages. The narratives of Noah, Jonah, and Paul, among others, highlight God's sovereignty and mercy in delivering His people from danger, both physical and spiritual.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) A strong, buoyant boat especially designed for saving the lives of shipwrecked people.
Library

The Voyage and Shipwreck
... The lifeboat, their only means of escape in case the ship should founder,
was in tow and liable to be dashed in pieces any moment. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 42 the voyage and.htm

The Fainting Soul Revived
... There! I have bought a lifeboat; put it on board." They reply, "No, never! ...
that! Think of old Ben Bolt taking a lifeboat with him! ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the fainting soul revived.htm

The Covenant Promise of the Spirit
... No; the cry is very different""Take to the lifeboat! Take to the lifeboat!"
You are to quit the wreck, and then you are to carry ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/the covenant promise of the.htm

The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning
... If one said to his fellow, "Where is thy purse?" "Oh," saith the other, "never mind
my purse, I am in the lifeboat; my life is saved." What shall it profit you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the ship on firea voice.htm

The First Preaching at Antioch
... for you'? What should we think of men in a shipwreck who were content to
get into the lifeboat, and let everybody else drown? What ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture the acts/the first preaching at antioch.htm

Saving Faith.
... I have never known a soul come to this who did not soon get saved. Get
into the lifeboat. Put off from the old stranded wreck of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter ii saving faith.htm

True Wisdom.
... Just then, he said, someone held a light at the port-hole, and the light fell on
it. A sailor caught him by the hand and pulled him into the lifeboat. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/true wisdom.htm

"Ye are the Light of the World. "
... Just then, he said, some one held a light at the port-hole, and the light fell on
his hand. A man caught him by the hand and pulled him into the lifeboat. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moody/to the work to the work/chapter ix ye are the.htm

The Lost Silver Piece
... sighted to the leeward what at first appeared to be a small schooner in distress,
but on bearing down to her found her to be a full-sized lifeboat, upwards of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the lost silver piece.htm

John 7:37-38. "Let any Man Come. "
... or the shipwrecked sailor, with a lifeboat alongside the stranded hulk, that he
knows not how to jump in? Oh, cast away these vain excuses! Arise, and come! ...
/.../chapter vii john 7 37-38 let.htm

Thesaurus
Lifeboat (3 Occurrences)
... (n.) A strong, buoyant boat especially designed for saving the lives of shipwrecked
people. Multi-Version Concordance Lifeboat (3 Occurrences). ...
/l/lifeboat.htm - 7k

Life-breath (1 Occurrence)
Life-breath. Lifeboat, Life-breath. Life-giver . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(See NAS). Lifeboat, Life-breath. Life-giver . Reference Bible.
/l/life-breath.htm - 7k

Life-blood (4 Occurrences)
Life-blood. Lifeblood, Life-blood. Lifeboat . Multi-Version Concordance
Life-blood (4 Occurrences). ... (BBE). Lifeblood, Life-blood. Lifeboat . Reference
/l/life-blood.htm - 7k

Resources
What can we learn from the account of Peter walking on water? | GotQuestions.org

Who was D. L. Moody? | GotQuestions.org

Lifeboat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Lifeboat (3 Occurrences)

Acts 27:16
Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.
(See NIV)

Acts 27:30
As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow,
(See NIV)

Acts 27:32
Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let it fall off.
(See NIV)

Subtopics

Lifeboat

Related Terms

Life-giver (2 Occurrences)

Lifeboat (3 Occurrences)

Soul (554 Occurrences)

Life-blood
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