FRIDAY July 17, 2026
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 another illustration of faith and works seen through the life of Rahab who protected the spies sent by Joshua. They went to spy out the land of Jericho. When they came into the city, she gave them refuge in her house. Rahab exhibited true works through faith 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 communicates that Rahab was justified by her works when she received the spies and helped them escape. Before 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). Interestingly, the scarlet cord is a symbol of the blood of Jesus, the redemption price for our sin, that was shed on the Cross to save us.
James helped us further understand how faith and works are true evidences of the Christian life by comparing them to a body without the spirit. Your body and spirit need to be alive and working together to live the Christian life. If the spirit is dead, then you are basically a dead man walking––dead in your sin––you have a body, but you are not spiritually alive. It is the same with faith and works, they need to actively work together. If faith is without works, it is a dead faith.
Understand, as sinners, by faith we look to the Cross of Jesus Christ. Then as believers, we live the Christian life through His Spirit, knowing that it is His righteousness that has saved 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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