The Babel account is not the end of early Genesis. If it were, the story would conclude on a sad note of human failure. But, as always, God’s grace again supersedes human sin, insuring the continuation of the redemption promise. Now, the author traces out the line of Shem until he comes to that point where the chosen line develops into one distinct people—Israel.

Genesis 10-11 give us the historical summary of the postdiluvian world. They show us the ways of men in this new world—in revolt against God and seeking to glorify and deify themselves; and they set before us the principles and judgments upon which this world is founded. They also connect the days of Noah to the story of Abraham.

After a merciful deliverance from the flood, after such a demonstration of holy wrath against sin, after a new beginning marked by blessing and provision, certainly mankind will now forever walk the path of righteousness before God. But, wait!

It seems obvious that the natural world today is different in significant ways from the ancient stories told of creation in cultural legends from across the earth. There seems to have been dramatic changes. How can this fact be explained? And how does the biblical story of the flood fit into the narrative of man’s redemption?

Genesis 7 is set in time seven days before the onset of the global deluge. The construction of the ark is complete. The supplies are stored. The living cargo alone remains to be housed. The high drama of judgment and salvation is about to be unveiled.

As the depravity of rebellion accelerated in human history, God intervened. This chapter is misunderstood when described as the story of the flood. It is the story of a righteous man named Noah, a parenthesis in the genealogy of Seth. In every generation and despite sin, God succeeds with men and women of holiness.

Following the account of human sin and death, Genesis now sets out the genealogy of Adam through Seth to show the faithfulness of God’s promise even amidst the continuing effects of sin. Chapter 4 traces the descendants of Cain. Now we see the rest of the story.

In Part 3 of Campaigns and Christianity, Pastor Philip explains the inner workings of the political process and how Christians can get involved. Informed believers can become influential believers. Come join Pastor Philip through a study on one way that Christians were meant to exercise influence over our communities.