Walking With God Today 05/05/08

“Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?  For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”  James 2:25-26 (NKJV)

Remember James is most likely addressing a problem with some people who are saying, even teaching, that which is being taught in some circles today, and what has been called, “Easy Believism”.  It is a “belief” that just simply calling out the name of Jesus will save you from your sins; that you don’t need to take Him as your Lord, just believe in Him as your Savior, and you are saved.  That was a problem among James’ readers and it is a problem which needs addressed today as well.

The genuine saving faith first acknowledges Jesus as Lord, that is the reason for the submission to Him, in realizing His power to save.  He is the only One who can save; the only One who gives a changed life, and makes a difference in your life; therefore, it takes submission to Him.  It is all His work.  He is the One who gives regeneration to have us even acknowledge Him.  He is the One who gives grace, and gives the dead man life to even believe in Him.  When we are raised to life through the resurrection power of Jesus Christ we will produce works which glorify His name.

Who is Rahab?  You will find her in Joshua 2.  As James mentions her he says that she was a harlot, which is also what she is called in Joshua.  She is, however, recognized for her faith.  Let’s get one thing clear; she is no longer a harlot when she comes to her faith.  Why does God give her recognition in His Word?  I believe it is to show us that He has His salvation is for all who will believe.  It does not matter what your past, or present situation in life.  Jesus Christ will change you into His own image.  Rahab lived on the wall which surrounded the city of Jericho.

It would seem that for the many months and years the Israelites had wandered in the desert there were great stories which went through the peoples of the lands near and far.  Rahab has received faith from God that these are His people, and when the two spies from Israel come in, she takes them and provides them a place to hide from the king of Jericho, who has heard they are in the city.  Yes!  Rahab lies to protect them, however, God is not rewarding her for her lying, but for her faith.  It is a frivolous thing to think that God would reward her lying, for He hates lying and deception.  He knows her faith, and rewards that.

When Rahab protects the spies she is rewarded with the lives of her family.  When she helps the spies escape she is left with the cord which she had used to help them over the wall, as her only means of identification when the defeat of Jericho is imminent.  The Israelites will see the cord and know that she and all who are with her are to be delivered from death.  This cord serves as a picture of faith throughout all of Scripture, and has been called the “Scarlet Cord of Redemption”.

Rahab believed God, and her belief worked to the saving of her household (Joshua 6:22-25).  Knowing that judgment from God was coming quickly she did not spare to get her family to her home, the only place of safety from the judgment.  Rahab later became the wife of Salmon, and is in the lineage of king David, and King Jesus.

“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He has saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit…” Titus 3:5

Walk With God Today.

-Tim A. Blankenship