One hundred years ago, today, April 14, 1912, the famous oceanliner Titanic struck an iceberg. Hours later, in the early morning of April 15, the huge ship sank carrying about 1500 people to their death.
Over the years, analysts have studied what things went wrong leading up to the tragedy of April 1912. Several facts have been chronicled which detail why this event occurred. The following piece summarizes some of these findings:
Source: http://www.39online.com/kiah-20120413,0,4594381.photo
1. Substandard Rivets in Bow and Stern, containing iron and a high content of slag, which becomes brittle at very cold temperatures.
2. Ship Steaming Too Fast in spite of repeated telegraphed messages from other ships about iceberg ice in the area.
3. Lack of Binoculars: some of the lookouts were not furnished with proper optical equipment.
4. Repeated Ice Warnings disregarded by Capt. Smith.
5. Unusually High Tides may have brought excessive icebergs into shipping lanes.
6. Last Minute Manuever of Ship Failed, causing more damage than would have probably occurred in a strike with the bow.
7. Watertight Bulkheads were not sealed at the top.
8. Insufficient Number of Lifeboats: Only enough to accommodate about 1/3 of the passengers and crew.
9. Lifeboats Not Filled to Capacity: some were launched half full.
10. The British Steamer “Californian” saw flares and could have steamed toward them, but failed to do so, some think because the wrong color flares were used, ones which would normally be used for celebrations, not for S.O.S. signaling.
11. [added to article] Rope Too Short: It has been reported that rope used to drop buckets down to collect water temperature readings was too short to reach the water’s surface. Crew members, instead, substituted water from onboard the ship to render the readings.
“Titanic” Warnings About the Gospel:
The Gospel of Salvation is so straightforward, so clear in the Bible in many places, including 1 Corinthians 15:1-8 (the death, burial and resurrection of Christ Jesus); Acts 16:30-31 (“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved . . .”); Ephesians 2:8-9 (We are saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone, not by works); John 3:16-18 (Whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.)
Why do so many people refuse to go God’s way, trusting in his Son, Christ Jesus, for salvation, and not in their own “good” works?
How similar are unbelievers today to passengers on the Titanic?
1. Both were (are) sailing toward disaster at breakneck speeds.
2. In the frenzy of the night, many failed to board the Titanic lifeboats which could have rescued them from death; in the hustle and bustle of life, many or most people fail to avail themselves of God’s gift of Eternal Life in His Son, Jesus Christ, who can save them from eternal destruction.
3. Up until the moment of the crash, people on the Titanic were going about their normal routines (business as usual): crew members were observing their daily duties; passengers were laughing, dancing and dining; both were (are) oblivious to the imminent dangers that lay (lie) ahead.
4. Even after the Titanic struck the iceberg, for the first couple of hours many were in denial that they faced any danger whatsoever— “This ship is unsinkable,” some claimed. How many people in our day live in similar blind denial: “There’s no hell,” many declare. “If there is a heaven, either we’re all going there or we ain’t,” others might retort. On that sad early morning of April 15, 2012, dozens and dozens of scoffers faced reality head-on. How many millions, in our generation, will, tragically and avoidably, come face to face with the legitimacy of death and an eternity in torment (Luke 16)?
5. Some of the passengers on the Titanic, who failed to board the lifeboats which could have rescued them, sought, instead, to save themselves by strapping on life preservers and jumping into the ocean. If the impact of the fall did not kill them, the frigid water would have finished them off in minutes [this observation is for the purpose of illustration only; obviously, in the frenectic scene of the night, many were not given the opportunity to board the lifeboats]. How many unbelievers, today, steadfastly refuse to accept God’s plan of salvation? (there is only ONE WAY, by grace alone through faith alone in his Son Christ Jesus alone). They would rather go their own way, seek their own path, add to God’s plan, or devise their own plan, while attempting to please God through their own works. Refusal to go God’s way will certainly lead to destruction.
Notes From A Retired Preacher 
Solomon,
Thanks for dropping by and commenting.
We pray you understand that believing in Jesus Christ alone is the only Guaranteed way to escape the fiery Judgment of God.
In Jesus Christ eternally, Jack
thanks for this gesture…to warn us from the fiery judgement of GOD.
One of the most fascinating topics of all time, Bruce. I’ve enjoyed reading all the contributions.
The Titanic’s tragic demise never fails to deeply impress me. I don’t know why it continues to resonate with people more than any other maritime disaster, but I guess it’s because it was so anticipated and celebrated, so boastful – it’s the perfect symbol of the world; we can all identify with it on some level. It embodies the “civilized” worst of man and the best of man. It’s the ship of contradictions and agonizing “what ifs”.
Another interesting contrast: Noah’s Ark vs. the Titanic
-The Titanic arrogantly charged full-steam ahead on a calm sea and perished on her maiden voyage.
-Noah’s Ark was tossed about during a year’s time by unimaginable oceanic conditions due to the earth’s surface buckling, moving and sliding.
-Man was glorified on the Titanic, making all the decisions.
-The Ark was built according to God’s blueprint. God was in the ark with Noah, his family and all the critters and He, Himself, shut the door and guided it to rest upon the mountains of Ararat.
So many spiritual truths nestled in such events.
Excellent reminder! So true. How thankful we are that our wonderful Savior has given us eternal life when we simply trust Him, and he then goes with us every day until we meet Him face to glorious Face! God Bless you all!
Hi John,
I get the analogy now, thanks!
Hi Jimmy,
Thanks for your kind thoughts. I learn best that way too.
Hi Bruce,
I’ve been meaning to comment on your article, but simply forgot to (just turned 40 recently and memory starting to slide:-)
I think your Titanic analogy succeeded in constrasting salvation by faith alone in Christ alone with any and all works-based false gospels. I myself, learn best from word pictures/analogies, so thank you! Simplicity is indeed Truth’s most becoming garment.
Blessings,
Jimmy
LS is bi-lateral contract salvation. They would not simply believe the life boat would save them. They sought a contract at law. A bit of a stretch, but then, so is LS.
Hi John,
I’m sorry, but I didn’t get your Titanic comment.
LS – died looking for contract with life boat
Hi Jack,
Great analogies there!
How about this one?: The cultists were the ones who were knocking on cabin doors, passing out their religious tracts, polishing the brass, cleaning the portholes and mopping up the decks while the ship was about to go under, hoping upon hope [false, blind, unrealistic hope] that all of their visible “good” works would save them.
Or how about this group?: The Christian Science and Mind Sciences followers might deny the reality that the ship was sinking. Was there really an iceberg? Maybe they would even deny that they were really on a ship.
Or what about the bunch that believes that patriotism or being a good citizen saves—were they expecting the U.S. and British Navies to, at any minute, come to their rescue?
I’m sure that other people could think of more analogies.
Blessings friend,
Bruce
Bruce,
Great comparison.
Let’s see, the Calvinists continued to party, thinking they were “chosen to be saved.”
The Lordship Salvationist folks strapped on the life jackets and jumped overboard, thinking they were saving themselves yet they died.
The Grace folks ushered women and children first into the lifeboats.. knowing if they went down with the ship and died an earthly death, they would go to be with their Savior.
Mine is not a perfect illustration but close.
In Christ, Jack
Thanks Faith!
Yes, you’re right; good intentions and good or brave deeds don’t cut it with a Holy God.
Have a great week!
Yes Bruce very good- I have always been interested in the story of the Titanic. I would also have to add that the men, who thought heroically they were saving their families, still died with the Titanic. So even though one has done much good in life without the saving grace of Jesus Christ one cannot save himself or herself from the impending tragedy of hell.
Hope you enjoy this article comparing the tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic with the masses’ rejection of the gospel: both end in disaster!