Our deeds offer no salvation before God, however, living faith is the fruit of salvation if one actually possesses it. One Bible commentator notes, “Faith that is alive expresses itself in works that are performed in obedience to the Word of God.” Having offered Abraham as an excellent example of this truth, James now presents Rahab as his second historical illustration. It should be noted that Abraham and Rabah profiles are very different in these way:
- Abraham. He was Hebrew and established as father of all believers. To him was given the promises of great nation that would come through his lineage by Jesus Christ (c.f., Gen 12:2-3).
- Rahab. She was on the opposite side of the spectrum. She was Gentile, a woman and a prostitute. In the ancient world, she was considered at the bottom of the socio-class system.
However, they have more in common that truly matters to God. Their faith not only spotlights the divine providence of our Father’s plan for redemption for both Jews and Gentiles, but also shows our God’s impartial value on a life of faith. In obedient leading of God, both lived as foreigners: Abraham dwelled in the land of the Canaanites and Rahab went to live with the Israelites after her hometown (Jericho) was destroyed. Both are listed as ancestors of Jesus (Mt 1). Their faith is to be celebrated and modeled as an example of how we are to live our faith for Christ. Like Abraham, Rahab did not simply profess belief in the God of Israel (Josh 2:9-11), but she acted in obedience to that faith by hiding the spies of Israel who came on a reconnaissance mission to Jericho. We can witness in this moment of Rahab’s life that such faith remains steadfast as it transcends and operates under the most difficult circumstances.
Her faith was the means of her salvation, for the Bible declares, “By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies” (Heb 11:31). It is also important to highlight that her past life of sin was not dwelled upon, only her faith was commendable and noteworthy in the scriptures. Why? Because her faith in the God of Israel covered her sin. Instead of judgement that destroys, she was granted mercy that gives life! James central point on this issue is this: If we truly have faith in Jesus Christ, evidence of its existence will be seen in our daily lifestyle (cf., Mt 7:17-18). If we say we believe in Jesus but bear no fruit of faith, how can we say we possess saving faith? According to James, such faith without works is dead, like the body apart from the spirit. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com