Genesis 6

This morning, I read two quotes that I would like to add to my blog last Friday -

“The first ordinance instituted for the cleansing of the earth, was that of immersion in water; it was buried in the liquid element, and all things sinful upon the face of the earth were washed away. As it came forth from the ocean floor, like the new-born child, it was innocent; it rose to newness of life. It was its second birth from the womb of mighty waters— a new world issuing from the ruins of the old, clothed with all the innocence of this first creation” (Orson Pratt, in Journal of Discourses, Vol. 1, page 333).

And -

“The earth, in its present condition and situation, is not a fit habitation for the sanctified; but it abides the law of its creation, has been baptized with water, will be baptized by fire [at the Second Coming] and the Holy Ghost, and by-and-by will be prepared for the faithful to dwell upon” (Brigham Young, in Journal of Discourses, Vol. 8, page 83).

This doctrine would follow some of my thoughts concerning the earth being cursed without baptism.

Many have wondered why the Lord would have his very creations of flesh be destroyed by the flood.  The first answer may be -

"...GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually."  (Old Testament | Genesis 6:5)

I don't think that causing death was the issue.  It is well established that if we will not repent, we must suffer the punishment related to the sin.  This is the law of Justice.  God loves his children!  Maybe death was somewhat an act of love because these would not repent and would have to suffer more.

Second answer is related to the first.  These people would not repent!  The Lord said of Noah -

"My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years."  (Old Testament | Genesis 6:3)

This would suggest that Noah preached for 120 years.  I think that was adequate time for the people to repent.   And if the people would not repent in 120 years, they are never going to repent.

It is interesting that some did repent as Enoch saw -

"...the Holy Ghost fell on many, and they were caught up by the powers of heaven into Zion."  (Pearl of Great Price | Moses 7:27)

Thus only the wicked remained on the earth other than Noah and seven of his family.  Thus to protect Noah's offspring from being raised in such wicked surroundings, the wicked was destroyed.