Calendar

THE WORKS THAT VINDICATE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12
James 2:25

Joshua 2:8-11

 

“…I know that the LORD

hath given you the land…”

 

THE WORKS THAT VINDICATE
 
The account in the book of Joshua tells us that Rahab had already acknowledged the God of Israel as the faithful LORD. She trusted in Him: “…for the LORD your God, he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath” (Josh 2:11b). That was why she hid the spies. Thus, in his divine commentary, Paul writes, “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace” (Heb 11:31).
 
Works produced in the believer’s life: James bears testimony of the faith of Rahab (James 2:25). She professed her faith in what the LORD God had promised to the Israelites. She asked pardon for herself and her family as though the Israelites were already conquerors. In all this, she did not consider the fear of men but of God alone. “The evidence of her faith was, that she received the spies at the peril of her life: then, by means of faith, she escaped safe from the ruin of her own city” (Calvin).
 
Works produced in the believer’s hope: Rahab is proven righteous due to the genuine faith which she possessed. She gave the fullest proof that she did by her conduct. The Lord approved of her because her faith led to her obedience to His will. Her justification was not demonstrated by her mere profession of faith, but by her putting everything dear to her on the line for the Lord’s sake. She entrusted herself to God without reservation. She was supremely committed to the Lord, whatever the cost.
 
Although Rahab knew nothing of salvation’s doctrines, she proved her genuine salvation (obtained by faith) by the works she performed. She may be very young in the faith, but her works vindicated a great faith, far greater than many of us. Dear reader, do you have this kind of saving faith that results in works that prove your righteous standing before the Lord?
 
THOUGHT: Do my works prove that my faith is genuine, and that I am genuinely saved?
PRAYER: Father, may I obey Thy Word that my obedience will vindicate the saving faith which Thou hast graciously given.

Search