In times of God's display of wrath, a man's righteousness can deliver his soul and those of his household. There is a great gain in righteousness because when people in a generation, nation, area or even family are grossly involved in all forms of violence, wickedness and rebellion, it is only those who are on the Lord's side that will be delivered at the time of judgment.

This was the case with Noah in his days.
People's attitude in Noah's days.
In the generation of Noah, it is recorded thus,
6:13 "And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth." Genesis

Human violence provoked God to the point of not wanting anything to remain on the earth which He had created except a remnant.

It was then the Lord said to Noah,
6:18 "But with thee will I establish my covenant; and thou shalt come into the ark, thou, and thy sons, and thy wife, and thy sons' wives with thee. Genesis.
Among mankind, the Lord determined to spare Noah, his wife, three sons and their wives. Why did He do this?

7:1 "And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation."Genesis
The Lord delivered Noah and his household from destruction of their generation because He found Noah to be righteous in it. He was different and acted differently until the Lord recognized him. It was his righteousness that saved them.

Great and multiplication of wickedness.
On the other hand, there are generations of people who never think of repentance. They are never prepared to have a change of lifestyle. These set of God's people love to add sin to sins until God determines to destroy them. In that type of circumstances, God may determine to spare only the righteous. This was the case in times of Ezekiel, the prophet.

When people's sins are great and punishment grievious, a man's righteousness will deliver himself alone.

Now, Noah, Daniel and Job had outstanding righteousness, the Lord has these to say about these three men,
"14:13 Son of man, when the land sinneth against me by trespassing grievously, then will I stretch out mine hand upon it, and will break the staff of the bread thereof, and will send famine upon it, and will cut off man and beast from it:
14:14 Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD.
14:15 If I cause noisome beasts to pass through the land, and they spoil it, so that it be desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts:
14:16 Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate.
14:17 Or if I bring a sword upon that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off man and beast from it:
14:18 Though these three men were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but they only shall be delivered themselves.
14:19 Or if I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my fury upon it in blood, to cut off from it man and beast:
14:20 Though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness. Ezekiel"

Whether it will save us alone or our entire household, it is important for us to be righteous before God. It is rewarding in this world and in eternity.
Stay blessed and prepared for the imminent coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Author is the set man of CTFM(WORLD OUTREACH)and Presiding Pastor of Christ Restland Gospel Church.He is a Poet and author of many books. Visit his blogsites www.4thlink.wordpress.com and www.peacelink.wordpress.com for more quality contents.