Some teach the all men will be saved by God, regardless of rebellion or righteousness. It seems they believe God is so loving He simply will not punish anyone.
When considering the scriptures, we find many places which indicate this is not true. One such place is Genesis 7:17-24, where the writer says, “Then the flood came upon the earth for forty days, and the water increased and lifted up the ark, so that it rose above the earth. 18 The water prevailed and increased greatly upon the earth, and the ark floated on the surface of the water. 19 The water prevailed more and more upon the earth, so that all the high mountains everywhere under the heavens were covered. 20 The water prevailed fifteen cubits higher, and the mountains were covered. 21 All flesh that moved on the earth perished, birds and cattle and beasts and every swarming thing that swarms upon the earth, and all mankind; 22 of all that was on the dry land, all in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, died. 23 Thus He blotted out every living thing that was upon the face of the land, from man to animals to creeping things and to birds of the sky, and they were blotted out from the earth; and only Noah was left, together with those that were with him in the ark. 24 The water prevailed upon the earth one hundred and fifty days” (NAS95).
While I realize that the death and destruction portrayed here are physical, this section of scripture continues God’s teaching regarding the consequences of disobedience. This is a shadow of judgment to come (implied by Peter in 1 Pet. 3:20-21). Moses shows the children of Israel that when God says he’ll punish, that that punishment is sure. 2 Thess. 1:7-9 gives a promise of future destruction and vengeance on the disobedient. Matthew 25:46 warns that this punishment is eternal.
When looking at what God can do, we should stand in awe of the absolute power of the Almighty in this passage. His destructive power is matched only by His creative power. His will is indomitable. Yet man chooses to challenge His law. As the rebellious are crushed in the depths of the water in our passage so the rebellious of all time will be cast in to a vast lake of fire, a flood of God’s wrath (Rev. 20:15).
As Noah and his family did, and were safe from harm because of obedience, I urge the reader to accept God’s terms. Peter uses Noah as an illustration showing us how baptism is the that which now saves us (1 Pet. 3:21).