Someone like Rahab is the unlikeliest person who would be mentioned among the faithful servants of God such as Abraham, Noah, and Moses. But because God saved Rahab and used her for his purposes is mentioned by the Hebrews author. It was not Rahab who was special and set apart, but rather that God saved her out of many and gifted her with saving faith. Without saving faith, it is impossible to draw near and please God (Heb. 11:6). And what is attributed to her saving faith is God’s grace toward an undeserving sinner as it is with all Christians then and now (Eph. 2:8).
God miraculously saves the depraved sinner. The world only deserves God’s justice and punishment because of our sin of unbelief. No one deserves to be saved by God, but by his grace, he chose some to be redeemed. Salvation is a gift of God that is given to those whom he has elected. One of the elect was Rahab.
Even though all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God (Rom. 3:23), Rahab was a harlot and considered the worst of the worst sinners from man’s perspective. She was sexually immoral. But God still demonstrated his own love and showed mercy and grace to forgive her of her sins. By grace, Rahab was elected by God before the foundation of the world. None of God’s elect dies before they are converted (Ralph Venning).
Rahab was supposed to perish with the disobedient but was saved by faith (v. 31). The disobedient, in general, are those who have heard the gospel but refuse to believe and reject God (Jos. 2:10-11). Even though many do not believe and die in their unbelief, Rahab believed and was saved.
What set apart Rahab’s faith from the rest of those who were disobedient? Her saving faith began with hearing and understanding God’s word and the gospel (Jos. 2:11). She heard and knew who Yahweh was because the Holy Spirit helped her to understand. Conviction and salvation are possible as the Spirit quickens the heart and soul. This saving knowledge and faith transforms the heart and mind from loving sin to loving God. Spiritual understanding does not happen with our own will and might but by the Spirit alone (Zec. 5:5-6).
Even though two people hear the same gospel message, the Holy Spirit must be at work to give life and faith to the spiritually dead. Reading many books, listening to countless sermons, or anything intellectual cannot save a person. Despite who we are and what we do, it is only the Holy Spirit who saves and gives life.
Sinners are not saved by works, but by faith that acts. Rahab welcomed the spies in peace. Rahab not only welcomed the spies as strangers but considered them as brothers. Saving faith always results in deed and obedience. One of the main ways a believer obeys the Lord is by sharing their transformed life with others. Not being ashamed of the gospel and declaring to as many people is the calling of all Christians. Another way to obey is to pursue fellowship with God and other believers because faith does not stand alone. Those who are saved desire to share their lives and grow in faith together with the church (Acts 2:46).
By faith, Rahab also was bold and courageous because she knew God was with her. Rahab risked her life because she believed in finding rest in God and his providence. Rahab believed and knew the rewards God would give to those who were faithful. God does not forget and brings blessings to those who are faithfully obedient to him and his will. Some of the rewards given to believers are adoption and eternal life. This motivated Rahab to live by faith.
Just as the Lord transformed Rahab’s life by gifting her saving faith in his eternal plan so that she would live faithfully in obedience to his will, the same God has gifted the same saving faith to Christians today. Therefore, let us also live by faith and obey God and his word in all circumstances. No matter how small or big, God’s saving faith enables all believers to obey and give him glory.
BIBLE COMMUNITY CHURCH 
Leave a comment