As we read through the book of beginnings, Genesis, we see God's plan to create men in his own likeness. Those who “walked with God,” as Enoch did, believed God and worshipped God. God considered righteous those who believed him--for both Noah and Abraham, their righteousness was by faith (Hebrews 11:7; Galatians 3:6).

We also notice in the accounts of their lives their actions did not always match their faith. Yet they continued to believe and worship God. These accounts have been recorded and preserved to show us God's faithfulness is our salvation, not our “perfect” character. We are instructed to mature in Christ and develop godly character, but the promise is by faith, not works. As James reminds us, works do accompany faith (James 2:14-24).

Jesus God's Son became one of us, but lived without any unbelief or disobedience. He taught the same message of faith:

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him, shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.
John 3:16-18

God's Spirit entering and changing our hearts, which are inclined to evil, gives the desire and the strength to live according to the will of God (Philippians 2:12-13).

Although God will keep his promise to not destroy all life by flooding the earth, judgment is coming upon those who choose to continue to follow the inclination of the heart to do evil (2 Peter 3:3-10). This cleansing of the heaven and earth by fire will be followed by a new heaven and earth, the home of righteousness (2 Peter 3:11-13). God's everlasting covenant is life everlasting for those who believe God.