A team of Turkish and Chinese Christians have announced the possible discovery of the final resting place of Noah's Ark. The announcement was made by the organization responsible for the expedition, Noah's Ark Ministries International, during a press conference in Hong Kong. Fragments of wood, nails and pieces of rope taken from the site were put on display for the press, along with photographs of some of the climbers inside the wooden structure itself. The Bible describes the final resting place of Noah's Ark to be the mountains of Ararat (Genesis 8:4), which are located on the Turkish Armenian border. The Jewish historian Josephus mentions the ark in his writings and how visitors would break off fragments of wood to sell as talismans. But its precise location has remained a mystery due to high altitude and harsh weather conditions on the mountain, not to mention the regional conflicts which have prevented interested groups gaining permission to ascend the mount. Hopes for the possible rediscovery of the ark were given a boost when a Turkish pilot on a mapping exercise reported seeing a wooden boat-like structure enclosed in a glacier. Since then numerous satellite photographs of the 'Ararat anomaly' have been published, but high definition pictures of the area have not been declassified by the US government due to security sensitivities. Many eyewitnesses have also reported seeing the ark, and even climbing inside, but few have been able to capture it on film. But now an evangelical group believe they know the precise location of the ark, have taken photographs of it (as well as video footage), and are requesting that the Turkish government apply for the area to be protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The team believe that the measurements of the structure match the Biblical description of the ark in Genesis, and carbon 14 tests have shown it to be of a similar age.

Quote: ""The significance of this find is that for the first time in history the discovery of Noah's Ark is well documented and revealed to the worldwide community,” Aalten said at a press conference announcing the find. Citing the many details that match historical accounts of the Ark, he believes it to be a legitimate archaeological discovery. "There's a tremendous amount of solid evidence that the structure found on Mount Ararat in Eastern Turkey is the legendary Ark of Noah,” said Aalten. Representatives of Noah's Ark Ministries said the structure contained several compartments, some with wooden beams, that they believe were used to house animals. The group of evangelical archaeologists ruled out an established human settlement on the grounds none have ever been found above 11,000 feet in the vicinity, Yeung said.

The possible rediscovery of Noah's Ark is significant, and I personally believe that is what we are seeing here. And it constitutes yet another proof of the historicity and authenticity of the Scriptures. As believers it is exciting to know that our faith is not built upon some vague notion dreamt up by men, but that it rests upon solid historical and verifiable evidence. I used to think that if men discovered the ark, that it would cause many people to realize the Bible is true, and cause them to realize their need of Christ. But thinking about the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, I'm not so sure. We have a greater testament of God's truth than the ark. We have the Scriptures. As the Lord said, "If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead", Luke 16:31. The discovery of the ark is like Noah, rising from the dead, to speak to this wicked generation. What would Noah, the preacher of righteousness, say to this generation? I believe its already recorded for us in the Scriptures, by the mouth of Peter.

2nd Peter 3:5-7
For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.

The judgement fell in one day, and only eight souls were saved alive. Job 22:16-17 records the response of those who refused to heed the warning, and the inability of God to save those who won't believe. But as I said, we have a greater testament to the truth of God than what Noah's Ark represents. And if men and women refuse to hear the Word of God, then the rediscovery of Noah's ark will not make any difference to them. In reality the rediscovery of Noah's ark represents a solemn warning to this world. That God judged the earth once for its wickedness, and that He has promised to do so once again. And that it might not be too long before this happens. I hope that many people realize the spiritual truth behind this rediscovery, and accept His offer of salvation in Jesus Christ before God closes the door of opportunity (Luke 13:25-27). God in His mercy waited seven more days after Noah entered the ark to see if any would turn and seek after Him. How many days will He wait for you?

Hebrews 11:7
By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

Source FOX News, National Turk, Noah's Ark Search