Thursday: The Faith of Rahab
Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
(James 2:25, NKJV). Read Joshua 2:1-21. How do we understand this example, again in the context of salvation by faith alone?
Image © Standard Publishing from GoodSalt.com
According to Hebrews 11:31, the inhabitants of Jericho did not believe. Most modern translations describe them as being disobedient.
The inhabitants of Jericho knew about Israel’s signal victories over the Midianites and the Amorites, so they were well aware of the power of Israel’s God. God’s judgment on Israel at Baalpeor taught the people in Jericho of His holiness as well as His abhorrence of idolatry and immorality: All these events were known to the inhabitants of Jericho, and there were many who shared Rahab’s conviction, though they refused to obey it.
-Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 492.
Rahab was not saved because of her dishonesty but in spite of it. She believed in the true God, and she acted on that faith by protecting the spies that Joshua sent out. There were also conditions: she obeyed the messengers’ direction to hang the scarlet cord in her window, which was reminiscent of the blood sprinkled around the doors of the Israelite homes at the time of their Passover deliverance (see Exod. 12:21-24). While far from perfect, Rahab’s life is a model of faith that shows the reality of God’s forgiveness and grace for everyone willing to step out in faith and to trust God with the results.
Read James 2:26. How does this text summarize the relationship between faith and works?
Just as the body is only a corpse without the breath of life, so faith without works is dead. In addition, without real faith any obedience
we might try to render would only amount to dead works
(Heb. 6:1,9:14), which are meaningless in the sight of God.
A harlot saved by faith? If that were the only example of salvation by faith we had, what false conclusions could we draw from it? Nevertheless, what hope can you take from her story for yourself?
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I suspect the general epistle of James was at least partly in response to a specific statement someone had made to the effect that, because we are saved by grace alone through faith alone, good works are not important.
James was God's penman. He was not his pen. I understand James to be saying that good works ARE important.
If a person were to read the book of James without reading other portions of the Bible, he could easily think that James is saying we are saved by faith and works.
But there is another way to come to that conclusion, with or without reading other epistles. That is to read James' epistle while looking for an excuse to reject the doctrine of salvation by grace alone through faith alone.
Such people will be genuinely dumbfounded to hear the words, "I never knew you."
Roger Metzger
Roger, as I read James, the Holy Spirit is saying we are saved by a faith that is revealed in works of righteousness. The faith saves, the "works" prove the faith is genuine. Faith can be seen in words and actions. James stands alone with a perfect definition of saving faith.
Scripture clearly teaches we are judged by works, and the reason is that works reveal faith or unbelief. Profession alone means nothing.
"James stands alone with a perfect definition of faith"?? That's questionable to say the least. Paul states that "...Faith works by love". I think that's the definition of Jesus Christ. Those to whom God says in the end, "I never knew you. Depart from me evil workers..." If God had simply considered their works -prophesied in thy name, cast out devils, and in thy name done may wonderful works - He would have to "justify" them. James 'alone' has said a man is "justified" by his works. He said he would show his faith by his works. Righteousness is accounted to that person if it is a work of faith. Rahab's work was a work of faith, all of it!
Great message that God wants us respond to him with a living message of righteousness by faith in cooperation with living fruits of righteousness that are never dead at all.
Once Jesus said, no one cometh unto the father but by me. Iam the way, the truth and the life.
By these words he meant that our faith depends entirely on him. If we meekly follow his footsteps. When we study the life of Jesus, we will have only one refuge during periluous times and that is within ourselves. Jesus came to a point in time when he had to deny his weeping mother at the cross knowing that he came alone from the father and had to return the same way....thus we walk this Jesus life to live within ourselves a santified life that is pleasing to God.
The writer of this lesson assumes that the scarlet rope was used as means of saving Rahabs' family because it stood for the blood shed during passover. This may not necessarily correct but that it was a rope that was available then to lower the men out of Jericho to escape. So in application, "this rope you are using to take us down/save us, use the same rope when we come, we shall easily recognise it as the same means that you have used to save our lives". Otherwise it was a coincidence of the scarlet colour to the colour of blood.
Rahab had faith and she showed good works by hiding the spies. Good works is not what we can go about claiming, but because of our faith and His grace in us people around us will see. As Jesus said by their fruits you will know them. So its not about us to comment that we are doing good deeds but those that we daily meet can see the difference from the past life that we have lived in.
It cost a lie for Rahab to protect the men of God and be served herself and the family; I wonder if that would have some strong explanation?
Did you know that Rahab was also one of the ancestors of Jesus mentioned in the first chapter of the New Testament (Matthew 1:5)? In fact, she was the great-grandmother of King David.
James, by referring to the faith of Rahab, reminds us that God loves and uses the sinners in this world to accomplish salvation. Rahab was not an Israelite, had not experienced first hand God's guidance and care during the 40 years in the desert, yet she was prepared to risk her life because she believed that the God of the Israelites was the true God and she wanted to be part of them. It is the 'simple-minded' of this world who have the faith of a child who will inherit the Kingdom - not necessarily those who can quote scripture and know it all but do not act on it. The gift of God to the humble in spirit (simple minded) is that they will grow in their knowledge and understanding, even to beyond the level of the theologian scholars, because as they daily walk with the Savior the Holy Spirit teaches them the wisdom of heaven.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.The Bible tell us in Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
James 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. We must believe that there's no other name given among men in Heaven or earth or under the earth whereby we can be save,we must believe that there is salvation only in the shed blood of JESUS,but our belief alone cannot save us, for Satan also believe and trimbles, for though Ihave all faith, so that I could remove mountians, and have not love, I am nothing.1Cor 13:2. Even God demonstrated His love by His action, John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. So we have to demonstrate our love and faith in God through the power of the Holy Spirit by our works of righteousness,For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
The stories of the old testament are stories of salvation and representative of Jesus. Like Abraham--a "type" of Christ, and like Joshua-- a "type" of Jesus, the mentioning of Rahab is purposeful. Since we are studying about "Faith and Works", it is appropriate to understand Rahab's contribution especially since she is mentioned in the book of Hebrews.
Did you know that Rahab was also one of the ancestors of Jesus mentioned in the first chapter of the New Testament (Matthew 1:5)? In fact, she was the great-grandmother of King David.
That aside, the symbolism of Salvation as seen in the lives of numerous bible characters is overwhelmingly displayed throughout the scriptures. Consequently, it is my understanding that like the blood on the Israelites' doorposts indicated their trust in God's mercy, and in like-manner, the red rope symbolized Rahab's covenant with Joshua via his messengers. In this case, her faith in God's mercy was demonstrated by her actions.
Rahab lied. Was she right or wrong? Is it ok to lie if your motive is good? If seasoned Abraham lied about his wife, and said "This is my sister", and Isaac resorted to deceit, maybe we should go easy on Rahab. We may be called upon to make decisions in a split-second and not know what to do.
Thank you for your very practical comment Carol. Many years ago I heard a man in Sabbath School say, while talking about Rahab, that "it's not lying when its none of the business of the person who is asking." I am not going to fully endorse that comment, while I do think it is worth sharing.
Some people commit mind rape by asking questions and getting information that the person they are asking has every right not to share. I think we all know Rahab was doing the best she could with pure motives. We should not judge her when we were not there and don't know if we would have done anything any differently. Sure, Lot never lied to the men of Sodom about where the angels were, but the angels were still protected none the less. God did not need a lie to protect the Hebrew spies, but like you say Carol, who are we to judge?
Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee. But when his brethren were gone up, then went he also up unto the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. (John 7:8-10 KJV)
What did Jesus do here did he lie? He said he is not going to the feast yet when hes brothers leaft he also went to the feast, in secret
Jesus, "I do not go up yet" - yet means not right now, you go, so long, I will come later
Well said Shirley, that's the way I always read it.
Hannelie, I remember a while back reading that passage and thinking the same thing you did, so I understand your confusion, but after examining it I saw the same thing Shirley saw. Thank you Shirley for sharing. I am so glad we are all here to help each other out- even if on other sides of the earth!
I wonder, God uses us in spite of our faults. As long as we believe in him he will use us. Remember Abraham believed God and it was counted as righteousness? So, in spite of our faults God uses us to accomplish his will as long as we have faith and act upon that faith.
I'm not sure any means justify the goal. I don't believe that Rahab was necessarily saved at the time she protected the spies. I believe she was protecting two lives that she dare not hand over to her own king b/c she believed their God stronger than her King's and in her desperation to protect her family she acted on that faith to protect the two spies for a price, (the protection of her family.) I'm not sure even a saved person would have devised an honest answer to the guards that showed up at Rahab's door to acquire the spies.
When I think on Rahab's story (with very limited knowledge/understanding,) I think the miracle that must have occurred for her at the time the wall fell on Jericho must have been an awesome moment for her and her family. The description of her home is that it was part of the wall of Jericho. Yet she was instructed that her entire family was to stay inside her home during the battle to escape death. Now I don't know if her home was left undamaged or if just enough was left to protect her family but something had to be left of the wall to allow her family to be within the home to survive the battle. I am thinking this event truely lead to her seal of salvation and became her story of deliverance, i.e. testimony of God's grace.
I know that really didn't speak to faith and works but I think it may show that if people begin to act on their faith in God's testimony, it will lead to salvation. To continue to act on faith takes trust in the being the faith is placed in.
Rahab lived in Jericho, a city the Israelites conquered as they entered the Promised Land( Jos 2 ).When the Israel's spies came to the city, she hid them and helped them escape. In this way, she demonstrated faith in God's purpose for Israel. As a result, she and her family were saved when the city fell and was destroyed.
By James referring to the faith of Rahab, he is reminding us of God's love and how He uses sinners in this world to accomplish His salvation. Rahab was not an Israelite, had not experienced first hand God's guidance but she showed complete trust in the God of the Israelites. What a true conviction! Seeing the collapse of the Jericho wall which was also part of her home and coming out saved together with her family , that was a miracle worth testifying about.
A superficial understanding may lead one to understand that they can be saved in their sin. This however, isn't the case. One should come to Christ the way they are and will be saved by faith in Him.
What I found quite interesting in the story of the spies and Rahab is God's direction in leading them to the home of a harlot. Surely His ways of thinking are beyond man's. Today in the 21st Century would we be willing to venture in such establishments to take the Good News of Salvation? I am pretty sure that there were more reputable homes these spies could have gone to. God thinks way outside the box doesn't He?
God did not lead them to a harlot, He led them to a woman of faith. Just read the story and realize how wonderful her mustard seed of faith was. She responded to the evidence God gave to all the nations in His leading of Israel, and not even most in Israel had such faith as this "harlot".
"Draw night to God and He will draw nigh to you" says James. This means Rahab was searching to find out more about this wonderful God, perhaps even praying in her way for His help.
Do you recall the widow of Zarephath, whom God "commanded" to care for Elijah for the remainder of the drought? God only commands those who serve willingly, in whatever limited capacity they have. The Lord knows who are His. Didn't Jesus teach that His sheep would hear His voice and follow Him?
This story of Rahab and her lie to save their lives has always worried me. But from a different perspective, what worried me was I thought, couldn't God have used a different way then having someone lie for them.
I hear people say: how could she 'be saved' or how could she be acting 'by faith' because she lied. If that standard was applied to me I would be lost. I am sure that many others would also be lost. However the good news is that although we often fail or fall after we have given our lives to Jesus He is merciful and still forgives and cleanses us from our unrighteousness. So I believe it is possible that Rahab was saved and acted by faith, I don't think we are in a position to judge her.
Going back to my original concern, what I am discovering is that God meets us where we are and we don't have to be perfect before we can work for Him.
Rahab did the best with the knowledge she had. As she later learned the ways of God she might do differently, but her new faith was shown in her willingness to hide God's servants at great risk to herself, not knowing yet the full power of God to deliver. But she learned that lesson soon as her part of the wall stood alone as God delivered the city into the hands of Israel.
In a previous lesson we have learned that we should err on the side of compassion,mercy.Rahab definitely knew that exposing the visitors would automatically lead to their execution.She had compassion for them and hid them.
Rahab also had heard of the conquest of the Israelites through the hand of the living God and believed and thereafter became a doer.Faith ultimately will require some action on our part.Believing in the living God and knowing that Jericho would fall,Rahab desired to be saved with all her family(we also should take note of this!).Having made her request,Rahab was asked to bring her family into her house which was on the wall(a dangerous place also)and she complied by doing so.Believing and having faith that she had asked would not have saved her but her complying with the instructions from her visitors.So Rahab was saved by faith which she showed by acting on the instructions given,herein called works of faith.She was not saved because she hid the Israelites but because she desired to be saved and by faith did what she was told.
My question is why did Rahab hide them? She would have been safer from the town police if she handed them over. However she had heard of what God had done for Israel and she believed this God was more powerful than the police. When she let the spies escape she trusted they would be true to their word to save her when they came back.
She obeyed their instruction to bring her family into her house and stayed in the house on the wall (sounds like the Ark). Normally the wall is the most dangerous place if there is an invading army, but she trusted the spies and by implication she trusted their God.
God saved her while she was a sinner and he changed her into a child of God, isn't that what he does for us?
I love all comments well said all and I thought the comment from Naomi Penn on November 7 2014 is out standing. How can you venture into such establishment? But God is working differently here, could be the guards who were on duty would not suspect that the spies were in the city, as it was business as usual.