The LORD Shut Him In

Genesis 7:16 - Noah could have shut the door of the ark, but the Bible tells us the LORD shut the door of the ark, not Noah.  See the following:

1) Noah was not the one to shut out all those outside the ark.  God condemned them and shut them out.  God spared Noah the responsibility or conscience for their condemnation.  Noah had preached righteousness to them for 120 years and so his conscience was clear of them.  Likewise, we are not responsible for condemning those who are shut out of heaven.  God shut them out, based on their rejection of Him.

2) Noah was not the one to shut in all those inside the ark.  The ark pictures salvation from God's judgment.  No man can place another inside, nor even himself.  God alone seals them in, John 10:27-30; I Peter 1:5, etc.

3) The LORD still shuts the door on salvation opportunity.  At death (Hebrews 9:27).  At the Rapture for those who have heard and consciously rejected Him (II Thessalonians 2:10-12).  To those who have continued deeper into wickedness, suppressing the knowledge of God (Romans 1:18-32).  See the door shut, Matthew 25:10; Luke 13:25; John 10:1.  Who is the door?  John 10:9.

4) When the LORD opens or shuts: Job 12:14; Isaiah 22:22; Revelation 3:7-8.

VM