Rahab Heroine of Faith Introduction Rahab whose story

Rahab – Heroine of Faith

Introduction �Rahab, whose story is related in the book of Joshua, is commended in the New Testament as an example of obedient faith (Heb. 11: 31; James 2: 24 -26). �Considering her background, Rahab’s faith is remarkable; she was the product of a very corrupt culture (Gen. 15: 12 -16; Lev. 18: 24 -30). �Yet, despite her obvious moral shortcomings, she was prepared to trust in the might and mercy of Jehovah.

Historical Account �Faith Demonstrated by Rahab (Josh. 2: 1 -14) �Promises Made to Rahab (Josh. 2: 15 -24) �Promises Kept to Rahab (Josh. 6: 17, 22 -25)

Rahab’s Former Life of Sin �Rahab is identified as a harlot four times in Scripture (Josh. 6: 17, 25; Heb. 11: 31; James 2: 25). �Harlotry was a sinful and shameful practice, whether symbolic (Exod. 34: 11 -17; Lev. 17: 7; 20: 6; Num. 25: 13), or actual (Lev. 19: 29; Deut. 23: 17 -18; Prov. 6: 24 -35; 7: 6 -23; 23: 26 -28; 29: 3).

Rahab’s New Life of Faith �By identifying herself with Israel, Rahab became accountable to the Mosaic Covenant, for the same standard applied to the native Israelite and also the stranger, i. e. , proselyte (Exod. 12: 18 -20, 48 -49; Lev. 16: 29 -31; 17: 15 -16; 18: 26 -29; 20: 2; 24: 16; Num. 15: 30 -31).

The Legacy of Rahab �She is honored as an ancestor of Christ, and the mother of a good and godly man (Matt. 1: 5 -6). �She is honored as a heroine of faith (Heb. 11: 31). �She is also honored as an example of works (James 2: 24 -26).

Conclusion �Faith in God changes people: It can make a saint out of the lowest sinner. �Finally, consider also the example of Hosea, whose harlot wife was guilty of infidelity and immorality (Hos. 1: 1 -2; 2: 1 -7). �Yet, Hosea lovingly received her back, upon the conditional requirement that she demonstrate renewed faithfulness (Hos. 3: 1 -5). �In like manner, God will receive us back, if we bear fruit in keeping with repentance (Matt. 3: 7 -10; Eph. 5: 6 -14).