Romans 5:14 says that Adam was a “type of Him who was to come.” Thus, Adam is, in part, a picture of Jesus. First, both Adam and Jesus were divinely created. Dirt doesn’t make humans on its own, and virgins don’t give birth.
Second, in one of God’s greatest mysteries, Adam was put to sleep and wounded in his side so he could have a bride. In God’s greatest grace, Jesus was also “put to sleep” and wounded in his side so he could have his bride.
Third, Adam was not deceived into sin as Eve was. He willingly took her sin upon himself, rather than abandon her to face judgment alone. As Adam did for Eve, Jesus willfully took our sin upon Himself. However, he didn’t just share its punishment with us; he took it for us.
Genesis 3:15 foretells a hostility between the “seed of the serpent” and the “seed of the woman.” That only the woman is specified suggests a progeny born outside normal male-female procreation. It’s predicting a virgin birth, which Jesus alone fulfilled.
2 Peter 2:5 says that Noah was a “preacher of righteousness.” Likewise, Jesus preached repentance and righteousness. (Matthew 3:2, 4:17; Mark 1:15) Noah prepared a means to escape judgment, and note that he prepared only one way. Likewise, Jesus is the only way of salvation from sin and safety from divine judgment. (Acts 4:12) Noah’s protection from judgment was because he found grace through his faith. We, too, are saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8).
The Ark was made of wood, as was Jesus’ cross. It was one ship with three levels. We serve one God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Ark had rooms for the animals, and Jesus assured us that “in my Father’s house are many dwelling places.” (John 14:2) The Ark had only one door, and Jesus boldly affirmed, “I am the door.” Noah’s family entered the Ark at God’s invitation. We enter into Christ at his choosing and calling. (John 15:16) Once inside, God shut the door. The day of grace was over. They were safe from a judgment no one had ever seen and never will again. Further, they didn’t know the precise time of that judgment.
By grace, we too are safe from God’s coming judgment. At a time unknown to us, God himself will “shut the door” and pour out a judgment no one has ever seen and never will again. Until then, like Noah, we warn and witness to a world that is largely unbelieving and unprepared.
Noah’s Ark reveals Jesus’ grace and mercy, as well as his coming judgment. As Noah was safe in the Ark, we, too, are safe in our Savior, Jesus Christ.