TUESDAY January 7, 2020
Justified by Works
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.
James 2:25-26
James gave us yet another illustration of faith and works as see through the life of Rahab who protected the servants of the Lord. Joshua had sent men to spy out the land of Jericho. When they came into the city, she gave them refuge in her house. Rahab exhibited true works when she hid the spies on the roof and covered them with flax (Joshua 2:1-15). The book of Hebrews mentions her faith: By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace (Hebrews 11:31).
James tells us Rahab was justified by her works; she received the spies, and, when it was safe, she helped them escape. When they departed, Rahab was given a promise by the spies; she would not perish when the city was destroyed if she hung a scarlet cord from her window (Joshua 2:16-21). The scarlet cord is a symbol of the blood of Jesus, shed on the Cross to save us.
James helps further explain how faith and works go together; he used the illustration of the body with the spirit––they work together in living a life of obedience. Once we die, there is a separation of the spirit––the real person, from the body. The body is just a tent. What counts is your soul and spirit. Understand, as a Christian, we live by grace. As a sinner, we look to the Cross of Jesus Christ where we find hope. It is His righteousness that saves us.
If there be ground for you to trust in your own righteousness, then all that Christ did to purchase salvation, and all that God did to prepare the way for it, is in vain.
~Jonathan Edwards~
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