James 2:25-26 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.
When I read these verses, not only do I see "faith"; I see "grace". Grace, in that God justified a woman like Rahab; not based on her past, but based on the faith that drove her actions toward God's spies (Joshua 2:1-3). The fact that she risked her own life to protect God's men spoke volumes about how much she believed God (Hebrews 11:31). Her actions not only proved her faith, but also demonstrated to the Lord that she was willing to live a life of obedience to Him. True faith can free us from the bondage of the past. God did not reject Rahab because of her sinful, and shameful past. Instead, He counted her actions as acceptable, not for salvation, but as evidence of true saving faith. When we read verses such as these, and we read the story of how God showed grace to a person with such a past, how can we not praise the Lord, and have a desire to live a life of love and obedience toward Him? What is most amazing about Rahab the harlot's story is that God showed her the most amazing grace when He allowed her to be in the lineage of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). The bottom line is that we never know what doors will open, or what path the Lord will lead us on, when we perform actions that are grounded and founded on real faith.
Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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