There is a principle found throughout the Bible. This principle is, first there is the natural, then the spiritual.

"Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual." - 1 Corinthians 15:46 KJV

Peter spoke of this principle in his epistle to the church, comparing the account of Noah and the flood with water baptism in Jesus name.

First came the natural – GOD saw the wickedness of man in the earth before the flood.

"And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." - Genesis 6:5 KJV

Then comes the spiritual – recognition by a person of their sinful life before baptism.

"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you." - Romans 6:17 KJV

First came the natural – the LORD decided to destroy sinful man from the earth.

"And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them." - Genesis 6:7 KJV

Then came the spiritual - we decide to destroy our sinful life by repentance.

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience:" - Colossians 3:5-6 KJV

First came the natural – Noah found grace with the LORD.

"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD." - Genesis 6:8 KJV

Then came the spiritual – we find grace with the LORD.

"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," - 2 Timothy 1:9 KJV

To be continued…