Before the flood God recognized the continual wickedness of man, and determined to bring judgment.

The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually… so the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land,” (Genesis 6:5-7).

After the flood, God recognized the continual wickedness of man and determined to be merciful.

The Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth,” (Genesis 8:21).

Perplexing.  Pre-flood, wickedness and judgment;  post-flood, wickedness and mercy. The difference?  A sacrificial offering. It was just before the Lord promised to “never again curse the ground” that Noah presented the first recorded sacrifice to God.

Noah built an altar to the Lord and took some of every clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar.  And when the Lord smelled the pleaseing aroma, the Lord said in his heart, “I will never again curse the ground because of man, for the intention of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” (Genesis 8:20-21)

This sacrifice was not sufficient to atone for the wickedness of man, but it gave the aroma of the future atonement which is sufficient.  This insufficient sacrifice was only made sufficient inasmuch as it was anticipatory of the ultimate sacrifice for sins, once for all.

For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.  Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me; in burnt offerings and sin offerings you have taken no pleasure…” For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified. (Hebrews 10:4-6, 14)

Welcome Christ as the offering for sins on your behalf, and live your life in celebration of what He has done.

Thank you God!  I have so fallen from your original design that my works are a stench in your nostrils, worthy of your just wrath.  But you have loved me!  You have sent your Son to be a pleasing aroma to you, on my behalf.  It is his sacrifice that atones for all of my sin!  Thank you God!  Bless your Holy name!