THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Behold the account of Noah: he was a righteous and blameless man in his generation. This respects the unique nature of his lineage. Upon stating, “This is the account of Noah,” one might expect a detailed genealogy—his father, his ancestry, his origins, and all the typical details found in genealogical recitals. However, divine Scripture deviates from this norm and asserts, “Noah was a just and blameless man in his generation; Noah walked with God.” Have you contemplated this remarkable distinction? When it declares, “Noah was a man,” it signifies that even the term acknowledging our shared humanity serves as a tribute to his righteousness.
Read more (1843 words)
While others were submerged in earthly desires and lost their humanity, it is noted that in such a depraved multitude, Noah preserved the image of humanity, for it is humanity that engages in virtuous practice.
It is not merely our physical form—eyes, nose, mouth, and other bodily parts—that delineate humanity; instead, true humanity is embodied in reason and virtue. What of those who lack reason? Merely having the features of a man does not make one a true man; rather, it is through the pursuit of virtues that one truly embodies humanity. To be authentically human entails shunning vice, conquering impure desires, and adhering to God's commandments. To affirm that Scripture does not honor those devoted to evil, consider God’s words: “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is flesh” (Genesis 6:3). Here, the Lord affirms that along with flesh, He has granted a soul's substance. Yet, these individuals, preoccupied with base desires, became wholly flesh. Observe how God designates them as flesh rather than men due to their wickedness. Moreover, Scripture goes on to refer to them as earth, indicative of their complete surrender to earthly pursuits, stating that “the earth was corrupt in the sight of God” (Genesis 6:11). This refers not to the physical earth but to those who inhabit it.
In another instance, God does not even recognize them as flesh or earth, showing that they exist outside of virtuous living. The prophet laments amidst the splendor of Jerusalem, where countless throngs dwell: “I sought for a man, but found no one; when I called, there was no answer” (Isaiah 50:2). This does not imply there were no people, but rather that those present were as good as non-existent. He further challenges: “Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem; look and take note; search her squares to see if you can find a man, one who does justice and seeks truth, that I may pardon her” (Jeremiah 5:1). The divine text clearly indicates that true humanity is attributed only to those who work in virtue, while others, devoid of such virtues, are merely called flesh or earth. Even when it promises to convey the genealogy of a righteous person, Scripture states: “Noah was a man”—he alone is recognized as a man, while others, though appearing human, by their wicked intentions have diminished the nobility of their nature, descending into the irrationality of beasts.
Indeed, when rational beings abandon virtue and become slaves to base passions, Scripture refers to them in animalistic terms. In one instance, it observes: “These are like well-fed horses; they neigh, each one after his neighbor’s wife” (Jeremiah 5:8), showing how excessive indulgence reduces a person to a mere creature of instinct. Again it asserts, “Their venom is like the venom of a serpent” (Psalm 57:5), signifying those who mimic the deceitfulness of this beast. Likewise, it references others as mute dogs (Isaiah 56:10-11), indicating those who turn a deaf ear to the call of virtue. Scripture provides various titles for men who, through negligence, yield to coarse passions. This reality is evident not only in the Old Testament but also in the New Testament. Consider John the Baptist addressing the Jews: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?” (Matthew 3:7). Here, their wickedness is equated with that of a beast.
What could be more pitiful than those trapped in vice who lose the very name of man and incur severer punishment for failing to utilize the gifts of nature which are meant to lead to virtue? Thus, when the contemporaries of Noah failed to embody the name of man, this righteous individual shone with extraordinary virtue, prompting Scripture to proclaim his significance: “Noah was a man.” Blessed Job can be similarly honored with this name as a testament to his relentless pursuit of righteousness. He is revered as the epitome of piety and deemed a champion upon enduring inexplicable tragedies. Armed with divine resilience, Job weathered every hardship without faltering. The unending succession of calamities not only failed to bring him low but encouraged deeper gratitude, inflicting a decisive blow against the adversary of evil, showing that he stands firm in virtue.
In praise of Job, God declared to the adversary, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil” (Job 1:8). Here, Job is first hailed by the universal title of man—“Have you considered my servant Job? For there is no one like him.” While many may share the outward appearance of humanity, it is the commitment to virtue that defines true humanity. Observe how Scripture consistently attributes the title of “man” to those who live virtuously. Thus says the Lord of Hosts at creation: “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). This implies that man was meant to rule over all visible creation and mastery over inner passions, rather than to surrender to baser instincts.
Should one abandon this divinely ordained state and become subservient to those passions, they cease to embody true humanity and instead assume the nature of a mute beast. Therefore, as Scripture seeks to laud a righteous person, it notes: “This is the lineage of Noah: Noah was a righteous man.” The term “righteous” serves as a collective designation encompassing all of Noah’s virtues. The text further underscores Noah’s fulfillment of all that a virtuous man must accomplish, denoting perfection through “blameless,” free from any failings. It affirms Noah reached the pinnacle of virtue during a time when wickedness prevailed, showcasing unparalleled integrity amid all corruption.
To maintain one’s virtue amidst those who reject it is to outwardly display the elevated nature of righteousness. Thus, the Scriptures continue to glorify Noah, stating, “Noah was blameless in his generation,” affirming his immaculate reputation against a backdrop of societal decay devoid of virtue. In such dire circumstances, he not only demonstrated virtue but exemplified perfection by transcending all shortcomings. As previously mentioned, to embody virtue amidst rebellion against it displays the exceptional nature of that virtue. Thus, Sacred Scripture holds Noah in high regard, further declaring, “Noah walked with God.” He ranked so highly in virtue that he was commended by God Himself. This declaration signifies that through his godly works, Noah drew divine favor, not only shielding himself from the impending judgment but also securing the role of intercessor for others.
“Noah walked with God.” What greater honor could one bear than to exhibit virtue worthy of commendation from the Almighty? For an enlightened person, such acclaim surpasses all worldly riches, power, and worldly accolades. To one who genuinely loves God, this favor holds greater value than a kingdom, as the true kingdom lies in earning the Lord’s mercy through a righteous life. We must thus both fear Gehenna, not merely for its torment and punishment, but out of concern that we may offend our generous Lord and forfeit His grace. In like fashion, we should strive towards the kingdom out of love for Him, hoping to partake of His grace.
Just as the favor of our loving Lord is more desirable than any earthly kingdom, so too is the loss of His favor more dreadful than any punishment. Consider the invaluable lessons we glean from the life of this righteous man and the wealth of insights revealed through this account. Let us endeavor to adhere to the principles outlined in divine Scripture; should we wish to share someone's lineage, let us emphasize their virtues rather than recount the names of ancestors. What value is there in deriving from illustrious lineage without leading a virtuous life? Conversely, what detriment arises from having humble beginnings if one displays outstanding virtue? This righteous man, who attained such high praise and secured God’s grace, did not come from particularly virtuous progenitors, as Scripture does not emphasize them. Yet above all odds, he reached extraordinary heights of virtue, demonstrating that when one is determined and vigilant in pursuing salvation, external obstacles will not hinder progress.
Just as negligence can result in downfall from trivial encounters, so diligence amidst adversity can reinforce one’s commitment to virtue. Many may attempt to lead a person astray, yet no influence can diminish zeal for righteousness. Therefore, let us refrain from blaming others or shifting accountability for our failings; rather, let us recognize our contribution to our own shortcomings. In fact, we should avoid even attributing our failings to the adversary’s power. Yes, he lurks like a roaring lion, seeking those to devour (1 Peter 5:8); yet it is imperative that we exercise greater vigilance to remain righteous, rather than absolving our responsibility with empty rhetoric about the presence of evil.
God has allowed such challenges so that we may be alert and prepared for conflict, and that through fear and an expectation of trials, we might labor in virtue with the promise of tremendous rewards for our efforts. His allowance of the adversary in our lives serves as a catalyst for our vigilance, motivating us to strive for incorruptible crowns. Consider His wisdom; He employs every means to not only save His creation but also to bestow upon them magnificent glory. For this purpose, He grants us free will and instills within our hearts and minds the knowledge of right and wrong, all while permitting the existence of the tempter and warning us of Gehenna—not to doom us there, but to prepare us for the kingdom.
Moreover, what is even more remarkable is that He, “being the image of God,” chose to assume “the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:6-7) and willingly experienced all aspects of our human condition. Born of a woman and through a virgin, He lived in the physical realm, facing hunger, thirst, exhaustion, and ultimately death—not just any death, but one deemed most shameful, the death on the cross—all for our sake, the Creator of all. He, who draws all from nothingness to existence, observes all creation. “He looks upon the earth, and it shakes” (Psalm 103:32), with cherubic beings shielding their faces, unable to behold His resplendence, bearing witness to His majesty, while all heavenly hosts continually offer their praises.
For our welfare and salvation, He embraced humanity and illuminated the path to virtue, setting an exemplary course for us through His own lived experience. What excuse remains for us if, after all that has been done for our salvation, we render such efforts void through negligence? Therefore, let us remain vigilant and mindful, not opting to follow the careless behaviors of others, but rather evaluating our lives daily to recognize where we falter and what good we have accomplished. In this way, we can amend our shortcomings and aspire to attain God’s highest grace, making ourselves pleasing in His sight, just as Noah did, ultimately receiving the kingdom of heaven through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom be the glory, honor, and power, now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.