Today the rainbow represents diversity and tolerance, but it actually is a sign of God’s grace, mercy, and justice. God gave the rainbow as a token of His promise never to destroy the earth again by water. Why did God judge the world? Because the Bible says that every imagination of man’s heart was only evil continually, and the earth was filled with violence. God is Holy and hates evil. In that day, Noah found grace before God. God gave him a seemingly foolish instruction to build a huge boat (called an Ark). Noah obeyed God in faith, and only those in the Ark survived. God now warns of future judgment. But you say, “I’m a good person.” Perhaps by man’s standards, but God judges according to His standard. You can know if you’re “good” by comparing yourself to His Commandments. Look at just two; God said “you shall not lie.” Have you lied? If so, then you’re a “liar,” and “liars will have their part in the Lake of Fire.” God said if you “look with lust” it’s the same as adultery, and adulterers will not inherit the kingdom of God. If you’ve done either, you’re guilty as a lying adulterer, regardless of any other sins.
Some say, “I was born this way.” Yes, we all were born in sin, but God ALONE defines what is sinful. Here is the problem; we’re sinners and God is Holy. How can a Holy God forgive sinners without violating justice? Imagine a criminal on trial. He’s guilty and required to go to prison or pay a fine he cannot afford. Then the judge steps down and pays the criminal’s fine for him. He's still guilty, but justice has been satisfied and the judge was merciful AND just. This is what Jesus Did. God took on flesh, in the person of Jesus Christ. He lived a sinless life and in love offered Himself as a sacrifice for sins on the Cross. Jesus bore the wrath of the Father for sin and then rose from the dead, proving the sacrifice was sufficient. God now commands men to get into the “Ark” of Jesus to be saved. Repent; cry out to God for mercy, confessing and forsaking your sins. Trust in Jesus ALONE for salvation (not your “good” works). God will change your heart to desire Holiness and your sins will be forgiven. Find a church that preaches from the Bible verse by verse. Already Christian? Be warned, to hypocrites Jesus will declare, “depart from Me, you worker of iniquity, I never knew you.” The Bible commands “examine yourself,” so read 1 John and compare yourself to Scripture.
