The Genesis Flood

There are many who question the nature of the Genesis flood: was it a local flood or a global flood. This question can actually easily be laid to rest if you study and believe what the Bible says:

Gen 6:17 And, behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, to destroy all flesh, wherein is the breath of life, from under heaven; and every thing that is in the earth shall die.

Gen 7:18 And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters.
Gen 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
Gen 7:20 Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.
Gen 7:21 And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man:
Gen 7:22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died.

It seems simple. The water covered the mountains, and all the land dwelling animals died. If it were a local flood, why would God have told Noah to build a boat when he could have just sent him to a safe, high place? No, anyone who reads the Bible to find out what happened would have to conclude that the flood was indeed global.
So, why do people believe that it was only a local flood? Well, people who believe in millions of years are typically the same ones who believe that the Genesis flood was only local. People believe in millions of years because of the fossils and the rock layers. They believe that the fossils and rock layers came from millions of years of death and suffering rather than God's judgement of sin. To believe both would be inconsistent.