Topical Bible: Perfection: Ascribed to Noah

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the concept of perfection is ascribed to Noah, a pivotal figure in the Genesis account of the Flood. The term "perfection" in this context is often understood as a reflection of Noah's righteousness and blamelessness in his generation, rather than implying absolute sinlessness. This distinction is crucial in understanding the biblical portrayal of Noah's character and his relationship with God.

Biblical Reference:

The primary scriptural reference to Noah's perfection is found in Genesis 6:9, which states: "This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation; Noah walked with God" . The Hebrew word translated as "blameless" is "tamim," which conveys a sense of completeness, integrity, and moral uprightness. In the context of Noah's life, it signifies his wholehearted devotion to God amidst a corrupt and violent world.

Contextual Analysis:

Noah's perfection is set against the backdrop of widespread wickedness and corruption on the earth, as described in Genesis 6:5-7. The narrative emphasizes the stark contrast between Noah and his contemporaries, highlighting his unique standing before God. Noah's righteousness is not portrayed as an inherent quality but as a result of his faith and obedience to God's commands. Hebrews 11:7 further underscores this by stating, "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" .

Theological Implications:

From a theological perspective, Noah's perfection is illustrative of the biblical principle that righteousness is attributed to those who live by faith and obedience to God. Noah's life exemplifies the possibility of living a godly life in a fallen world, serving as a precursor to the New Testament teaching on righteousness through faith. His blamelessness is not an assertion of sinlessness but a testament to his faithful walk with God, which set him apart in his generation.

Application in Christian Thought:

In Christian thought, Noah's perfection is often seen as a model for believers striving to live righteously in a world that is often at odds with God's standards. His example encourages believers to pursue integrity and faithfulness, trusting in God's guidance and provision. Noah's account also serves as a reminder of God's grace and the importance of obedience, as his faith led to the preservation of his family and the continuation of humanity.

Conclusion:

The ascription of perfection to Noah in the Bible is a profound testament to his faith and obedience. It highlights the possibility of living a life pleasing to God, even in the midst of pervasive sinfulness. Noah's account continues to inspire believers to seek righteousness and walk faithfully with God, trusting in His promises and commands.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 6:8,9
But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Article xxvii (xiii): of Monastic Vows.
... has perfectly fulfilled, so that even Noah and Abraham ... justification is not to be
ascribed to the ... now moderate their praises concerning perfection, yet they ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 35 article xxvii xiii .htm

Chapter vi
... This term, too, does not connote moral perfection. ... assumed that during all this time
Noah preached to his ... thirteen times and always in passages ascribed to P ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter vi.htm

Index of Subjects.
... Animals, the power ascribed to, by the Manich??ans, [31]268 ... Noah, and the ark,
[667]188 sq.; age of, at the flood ... Perfection not attainable in this life, [729]58 ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /index of subjects.htm

City of God
... The Enlargement of Kingdoms is Unsuitably Ascribed to Jove ... Shall Be Raised to a
Perfection Not Enjoyed by ... in the Eighth Generation, While Noah, Though Descended ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

South -- the Image of God in Man
... of man's sovereignty over the creatures to Noah and his ... actuate into a third and
distinct perfection of practise ... effect; to whom be rendered and ascribed, as is ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/south the image of.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... the side of Christ, but in the perfection of eternal ... be taken away." [464] For instance,
Noah's ark is ... miracles, the miracles would have been ascribed to magic ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

Christianity Misunderstood by Believers.
... The more frequent meaning, more often ascribed to the ... To whatever degree of
understanding and perfection the follower ... light before the sun; that Noah shut up ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter iii christianity misunderstood by.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... true human emotions, [291]269, etc.; the passion of, typified by Noah's nakedness,
[292]310 ... [943]70; the enlargement of kingdoms improperly ascribed to, [944]72 ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm

Of the Sacraments.
... 17:5), than confidently to maintain a perfection of faith ... God claims for himself
alone should be ascribed to mortal ... gave the bow in the cloud to Noah and his ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 of the sacraments.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... conclusion points the elevated position ascribed to the ... fifty-three (182, Heb.) when
he begat Noah. ... forgiveness, of covenant, of holiness, perfection, and rest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm