How does Rahab's story connect with Hebrews 11:31 about faith? Rahab in Hebrews 11: A Living Portrait of Saving Faith Hebrews 11:31 “By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies in peace, was not killed with those who were disobedient.” The Setting Behind the Commendation • Joshua 2 recounts Rahab hiding the Israelite spies in Jericho. • Joshua 6 records Jericho’s fall and Rahab’s rescue, exactly as the spies had pledged. • Jericho’s destruction illustrates God’s righteous judgment; Rahab’s survival showcases His mercy toward faith. What Rahab Believed 1. God’s Supremacy – “I know that the LORD has given you this land… the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on earth below.” (Joshua 2:9-11) 2. God’s Sure Victory – She acted as though Jericho’s defeat was already certain. 3. God’s Covenant Mercy – She sought and received a sworn oath of protection (Joshua 2:12-14). How Rahab’s Faith Was Expressed • Risky Hospitality – Sheltering the spies meant treason; faith moved her to side with God’s people. • Truthful Guidance – She sent the pursuers another way (Joshua 2:16). • Visible Sign – The scarlet cord hanging from her window mirrored the Passover blood—an outward mark of inward trust (Joshua 2:18-21). • Patient Waiting – She and her family remained inside until the walls fell, trusting the promised rescue (Joshua 6:22-23). Hebrews 11:31 and the Nature of Saving Faith • Faith Acts – The verse highlights action, not mere assent. Rahab’s deeds proved her belief, echoing James 2:25. • Faith Separates – She “was not killed with those who were disobedient.” Faith distinguished her from a doomed culture. • Faith Receives Grace – Her past as a prostitute did not bar her from God’s favor. Faith appropriated grace that overrode sin (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9). • Faith Looks Forward – Hebrews 11 situates Rahab among those who trusted promises yet unseen. She awaited Israel’s God-given future. The Ripple Effects of Rahab’s Faith 1. Family Deliverance – “She lives among the Israelites to this day” (Joshua 6:25). 2. Inclusion in the Messianic Line – Rahab married Salmon; their son Boaz became ancestor to David and ultimately to Christ (Matthew 1:5-6). 3. Enduring Testimony – Her story stands beside patriarchs and prophets in the “Hall of Faith,” proving God welcomes outsiders who believe. Key Takeaways for Today • Genuine faith trusts God’s Word as absolute truth and acts accordingly. • No background is too stained for God’s redeeming grace; faith unites sinners to His people. • Visible obedience—however risky—confirms the reality of an unseen but certain future with the Lord. |
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