Generations of Noah (Grace and Probation)

Generations of Noah (Grace and Probation)

Genesis 6:8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.

In this present day, there are two significant details about God's Grace, which many have generally overlooked. In Generations of Noah (Found Grace) we discussed the first of these two very important facts. In that discussion we learned that on the foundation of Grace, man through his walk has the ability to build or tear down. And through this process he can advance, increase, and move forward; or he can diminish, regress and move backwards in the eyes of the LORD. Today let us continue this journey by examining that second part of Grace which many are oblivious to. Let us begin by defining and rightly dividing ?'grace.'

Definitions (Merriam Webster)
1. Grace: (n) 2e : a temporary exemption : REPRIEVE

In the definitions One should see that Grace is also a temporary exemption and reprieve. Let us also define ?'reprieve,' so that we may gain a clearer understanding of the text.

2. Reprieve: (n) 1 a : the act of reprieving : the state of being reprieved b : a formal temporary suspension of the execution of a sentence especially of death 2 : an order or warrant for a reprieve3 : a temporary respite (as from pain or trouble)

After a careful examination of the definitions, One will notice the second part of Grace which those who will perish in the flood are not mindful of. From the definitions, One should see that as a temporary exemption and a reprieve, Grace involves Time and Judgement. And not just any Time and Judgement, but specifically, a prescribed limit in time and the Sentence of death.

This new information should immediately relay two messages to the Believer. First, One should become aware of the fact that God can not and does not sit idle and permit man to increase indefinitely in sin and corruption. And since he will not allow unchecked depravation and wickedness to continue, he has instituted a time limit in which man is allowed to repent and reform. If you will remember, in TOTL (Notice and Notification) we first uncovered a similar fact. During that time, we discovered that God has set a prescribed limit for man's sins and violations. And once this limit is reached, he requires that man repent and reform.

An illustration of this increase in sin is given in the story of Noah. If One will notice from (Gen. 6:1-5), they will see that as time passes, the increase of man's violations coincides with the multiplication of his progeny. In Generations of Noah (Status) we were made aware of this phenomena of generational degeneration. If you recall, as time continues each successive generation?'s status declines. The newer generations which will come into being are weaker or more corrupt than their predecessors. And because of this weakness and corruption they are more susceptible to increased acts of depravation. This is what is taking place during Noah's time; with the passing of time, the succeeding generations and their sins have continued to multiply and increase. And since God will not allow sin and depravity to grow uninhibited, the LORD through Grace limits man's time for repentance to one hundred and twenty years(Gen. 6:3).

Secondly, from the definitions, One should become aware of the fact that this Grace or limit in time temporarily suspends or holds back the execution of two pronouncements. First, it temporarily suspends or holds back the performance of an initial Judgement of death. And secondly, it momentarily puts off or delays pain or trouble. If One will study, they will see that these facts are found in the story of Adam and continue in the story of Noah?'s flood. Through studying, One will see that these declarations of pain, trouble, and death are given in the garden (Gen. 3: 16-19).With the announcement of that time limit (Gen 6:3) during Noah?'s time, the LORD is temporarily withholding the execution of those initial pronouncements. In other words, at this time, the LORD is putting man on probation, and the time limit or Grace is a probationary period.

Since we are now aware of the fact that Grace is a time of probation, then there must also be three constituent parts which are operating within its sphere. These parts consist of the Convicted Offender, the Probation Officer, and the JUDGE. Let us first exammine the Probation Officer

Every probation is furnished with a probation officer, and God's period of Grace is no different. As an officer of the Law, this individual is appointed to accomplish three duties. First, he is set in place to investigate all claims which are leveled against those on probation. Secondly, he must report back to a higher authority to give an account on the progress of those on probation. And thirdly, he must supervise the conduct of those who are on probation.

As man's probation officer, the spirit of the LORD is best suited to carry out all of the aforementioned duties. This is because it has the ability to go with man wherever he goes. If man goes to the bottom of the ocean it is there with him. If he goes into space, it is there with him. If man decides to go to the farthest reaches of the galaxy, it will be right there with him. With this ability, the spirit of the LORD is able to investigate any claims which may be made against man. And once this investigation is completed, it is able to directly report back to its SUPERIOR with highly accurate information. But most important of all, is the fact that during this period of probation, the spirit of the LORD through its supervision and direction, is able to help man accomplish the goal of repentance and reformation.

If One will carefully study Noah's flood, they will see that the spirit of the LORD is there fulfilling its probationary duties. In Gen 6:3 is where One will find the fulfillment of these actions referenced. (Gen 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man…) In this verse the LORD explicitly tells Believers that his spirit shall not always strive with man. This then immediately tells us that the LORD'S spirit has been in the process of striving with man. Now in order to fully understand this verse, let us define 'strive.'


3. Strive: (intrns vrb) 1 : to devote serious effort or energy : ENDEAVOR *strive to finish a project* 2 : to struggle in opposition : CONTEND synonyms see ATTEMPT

In the definitions of ?'strive' One will find what the LORD'S spirit is doing during man's probationary period. During this time it is: devoting serious effort or energy, endeavoring (strive 1), struggling in opposition, and contending (strive 2), with man.

Finally, what is the spirit of LORD striving for? Well, it is devoting serious effort and energy to supervise, direct, and convince man to repent and change. But as always, man will not listen and therefore does not change. So the spirit will wrap up it's investigation and produce a report which will be sent back to its SUPERIOR.


"When sin and corruption are High, then know that the Judgement of the LORD is Nigh"



Genesis 6:3 And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also [is] flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.

Proverbs 20:27 The spirit of man [is] the candle of the LORD, searching all the inward parts of the belly.

Proverbs 16:2 All the ways of a man [are] clean in his own eyes; but the LORD weigheth the spirits.