We read in Genesis, chapter seven, that "the windows of heaven were opened" and for what? So that God might pour down on this earth a terrible flood of judgment because of the sin in the world. So great was that judgment that "All flesh died... and every man."
Was no man saved? Yes, Noah and seven others. Why were they saved? Because they went into the refuge God had provided—the ark, and He shut them in. But, do you know that our hearts are just as sinful today, as were the hearts of those people who lived in Noah's day? And God says that if we do not believe in the Refuge He has provided, His wrath abides on us. (John 3:3636He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him. (John 3:36))
Now let us look at Acts 7:5656And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (Acts 7:56) and read what Stephen said: "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God." The Lord Jesus had laid aside His glory, and had come down to this earth. On the cross God laid on Jesus the sins of all who believe on Him, and there He bore the storm of God's wrath and judgment against sin. Then by receiving Him back into glory, God showed how fully satisfied He was that Christ had finished the work that put away our sins; for He could not be there in the presence of a holy God if one sin had remained upon Him.
One more scene. In Revelation, chapter four, we read, "A door was opened in heaven," and in chapter five John tells us he saw a company gathered round One who was as a Lamb "as it had been slain," and they sang, "Thou art worthy... for Thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God." Revelation 5:99And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; (Revelation 5:9).
And now can you say that though by nature a sinner, and among those on whom God's judgment must fall, yet you have trusted in the Refuge He has provided? If so, you will be in that company in the glory, who sing the praises of the Lamb of God who "loved me, and gave Himself for me."
"In the Refuge God provided
Though the world's destruction lowers,
We are safe, to Christ confided,
Everlasting life is ours.
And ere long when come to glory,
We shall sing the well-known strain,
This the never-tiring Story,
Worthy is the Lamb once slain."