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Rahab’s Faith—A Saving Faith
Rahab’s faith is a shining example of genuine saving faith. Rahab was a harlot and a Canaanite, a woman who originally was the furthest thing from being a follower of God, but she experienced a phenomenal conversion and became a strong believer.
Rahab’s story begins with Joshua sending two spies into Jericho to spy out the city. They were almost caught, but they found refuge in the house of a prostitute named Rahab. The armed soldiers had heard that the spies were hiding out in her house, and they confronted her, but she hid and protected the spies. Why? Why would she lie to her people and protect the two Israelite strangers? Scripture says because she believed in the God of Israel. How could she have possibly believed in the God of Israel when she was not an Israelite and had never been taught about God or any of His promises? The answer is Rahab believed what she had heard about the God of Israel—that He was the true and living God (Josh.2:9-11). When it was humanly impossible for Israel to conquer Jericho—when Israel had no modern weapons to make war—when there was not a chance in this world that Israel would be victorious—Rahab believed in the God of Israel, and she acted upon that faith. She believed that God would save His people and give them the Promised Land. Therefore, she saved the lives of the two Israelite spies.
Rahab’s faith saved her and her family from destruction. The two men swore to spare her and her family when they attacked the city (Josh.2:12-21). Rahab strongly believed that Israel would conquer Jericho despite the impossible odds against them. And most important of all, she believed that her life and salvation rested with the Israelites, that is, with the God of Israel. She believed that God could and would save her.
Rahab’s story is a glorious picture of the saving grace of God. His mercy and grace are eternal: they are able to save any of us today no matter how deep in sin we are. Whether we would be considered to be down and out or of the upper crust within society, God can save us. No matter what we are or what we have done, God can save us if we will only believe and trust in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
1. Can you relate with Rahab? Or do you know somebody who might be considered a “lost hope” for salvation?
2. Do you ever feel ashamed of things you have done?
3. How can you put off your old self and completely surrender and believe in God?
About this Plan
What does true, genuine faith look like? Go deeper in your faith by studying a different person from faith's "Hall of Fame" in Hebrews 11. Examine the fearful, reverent faith of Noah; the obedient, hopeful faith of Abraham; the impossible faith of Sarah; the worshipping faith of Jacob; the self-denying faith of Moses; and the saving faith of Rahab.
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