Genesis 8:16, 18 Go forth of the ark, Thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons’ wives with thee….And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him.
The Flood was over. Dry land appeared. The judgment on all flesh was finished. It was time to get going, leave the comfort and safety of the ark, and start in on the new life. God said, Go forth!” Noah responded in obedience, and went forth. He was told to bring forth all the animals, which were under his care and control, and to be fruitful, and multiply, and repopulate the earth. He and his family did so, as seen by the ”Table of Nations” in chapter 10.
After Jesus finished His work and sin was judged, and before He ascended, He gave disciples the Great Commission: ”Go forth!” Ever since, the church of believers has gone forth and made disciples of all nations. Every week Christians come together to hear the gospel, repent (judge sin), and receive forgiveness and new life. Then, when the Divine Service is ended we are ”sent forth with God’s blessing” in the Benediction. Christians respond to the salvation gospel by going forth as salt and light into a dark and corrupt world.
Daily we renew our baptism in repentance and faith: the old man drowns and dies and the new man comes forth to “walk in newness of life.” We ”die daily” and every day go forth into the new life. After sin has been judged and we have been saved through the waters of baptism, we also are commanded to “go forth.” And so we do, as new people in a new life.