V.1-6 Sin, by that time, had spread to many parts of the earth! And had so completely corrupted everyone that God describes it as He sees it in verse 5. Every tear of sorrow, separation, disappointment, sickness, death, is the result of sin.
V.7 Sin can only bring punishment. There can be no other result. It must be paid for with blood (Heb. 9:22). “Remission” means payment.
V.8-22 But God has one man ready. Noah is a picture of Christ. He was a “just” man (fair and honest) and perfect (upright), and he walked with God. Wasn’t that a contrast with all the people around him! Noah stood alone. Among the faithless, he alone was faithful. It is hard to stand alone. Remember Noah. God sees you, and He will use you if you are faithful to His Word.
V.13 Punishment from God. People say “Smile, God loves you,” but they forget this verse. Repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is necessary. Then the smile comes.
V.14 Grace brings deliverance. God always delights to act in grace (Rom. 5:20). But it must be paid for by the shedding of blood.
V.14-22 When sin reaches its climax, then judgment falls. But God makes a way of escape. In the ark alone was escape from the waters of death.
Today, in Christ alone is salvation. Every example of deliverance from the punishment of sin in the Old Testament is a picture (a type) of the cross of Christ. Water sometimes is a picture of judgment (Psa. 69:2, 14-15; Psa. 42:7). Noah in the ark, passing through the water, is such a picture (See also Matt. 12:40; Matt. 24:37-39). These show that the Old Testament happenings are pictures of salvation through Christ. Today the world is ripe (ready) for judgment. This time it will be forever!