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Rahab and Salvation

SERMON ON RAHAB THE HARLOT

Introduction:

1. The iniquity of the Amorites was full, Gen. 15:16. The sin of Canaan was akin to Sodom, preflood earth, Gen. 6:5.

2. Rahab lived in the midst of such a situation.

1) She worshipped a false God.

2) She sold her body for her living.

3) She knew no moral absolutes.

4) Her conscience was trained to sin.

5) She had no revelation from God. No absolute standard.

3. For the last month Rahab had come to a knowledge of the ONE TRUE GOD.

1) His people were right across the river Jordan.

2) They had defeated the two kings over there.

3) They had spoiled mighty Egypt. (Red sea, manna, clothes didn’t wear out, water in the wilderness.

4) Through her window Rahab could see their place of worship with the pillar of cloud by day and the fire by night. She knew that Jehovah was God.

4. She wanted to be saved from destruction.

1) This was more important than allegiance to country, idol, or father or mother.

2) If Jehovah extended grace she would shamelessly accept.

3) By the good providence of God the spies came to her house.

4) Unlike the rest of her nation she was willing to obey the commands of ambassadors of Jehovah AND LIVE.

5) WHOEVER WAS IN HER HOUSE WOULD BE SAVED.

[THIS WORLD IS SCHEDULED FOR DESTRUCTION]

6) Somehow, in order to be saved, we must come to the same realizations and take the same actions as Rahab.

a. That Jehovah is Lord of heaven and earth.

b. That He is a God of kindness.

c. That He will keep His word.

d. That His will must be obeyed.

DISCUSSION:

I.   Jehovah is Lord of Heaven and Earth

1. Rahab came to this conclusion with the knowledge of God’s wonders. Red Sea, Sihon and Og, manna, cloud and fire.

2. In this dispensation we must draw the same conclusion with regard to Jesus Christ. Jesus is Jehovah, Isa. 40:3; Matt. 3:3.

3. That He has all authority in heaven and earth, Matt. 28:18.

4. King of kings and Lord of lords, 1 Tim. 6:13-16.

5. Like Rahab we must know about the wonders, John 20:30-31. Raised Lazarus, calmed the sea, cleansed the leper, strengthened the paralytic, cast out demons, the blind saw, the deaf heard, the multitudes were fed.

6. Like Rahab we must consider witnesses, 2 Pet. 1:13-18.

II.  Jehovah is a God of Kindness

1. The gods of the Canaanites were vicious and twisted, requiring human sacrifice and lewd worship.

2. She had to believe that Jehovah had a place for her.

3. It was through the spies that God’s kindness was shown. She asked to be spared in the heat of battle. Not just her but all her family and their families, everyone in her house. THEY AGREED to deal kindly. Not to make slaves of them. The words of the spies were as close as she had to the words of God.

4. The kindness of Jehovah toward YOU.

1) While we were yet sinners…, Rom. 5:8f.

2) He careth for you, 1 Pet. 5:6-7.

3) Grace of God … hath appeared, Tit. 2:11-14.

4) Luke 2:8-11

5. God took action to save you. He loves you as He loved Rahab.

III. Jehovah Keeps His Word

1. Inherent in the idea of GOD is that God cannot lie. The word of GOD is reality. S, impossible to be false. If it lies it is not God.

2. Frankly, Rahab took a chance. She took the word of the spies.

3. We, however have a record of God’s dealing with men over multiplied centuries. He makes promises, He keeps them. To Abraham, to David, Matt. 1:1.

4. We have been promised:

1) Eternal life, Tit. 1:2 (God cannot lie).

2) “Hope,” “Reserved for you,” 1 Pet. 1:3-5.

3) Salvation, Mark 16:15-16.

IV.  Jehovah’s Will Must Be Obeyed.

1. It was essential that Rahab have the scarlet rope in the window and have the family IN THE HOUSE. Not in the house, no salvation.

2. In this Christian age we find we must be in the HOUSE to be saved.

1) House is the church, 1 Tim. 3:15.

2) Added to the church by God, Acts 2:47; 2:38

3. Many believe that Jehovah’s will doesn’t have to be obeyed for salvation, that if we have to do anything it negates grace. Not so in the case of Rahab. When she did all, it was still obviously by grace she was saved.

1) Matt. 7:21-23

2) Matt. 28:20

3) Heb. 5:8-9

4. Destruction is coming as in the days of Rahab, 2 Thess. 1:7-9. ARE YOU PREPARED?

1) Picture the destroying army across the river.

2) Picture an emissary from God telling you what you must do to be rescued.

3) Must BELIEVE that Jesus is the Christ, John 8:24; Matt. 16:16; Acts 8:37; Mark 16:16. That belief or faith comes by the WORD OF GOD, Rom. 10:17

4) Must REPENT of sins. Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; Acts 17:30. To repent is to change the mind. It is not godly sorrow, 2 Cor. 7:10. It is not good works, Matt. 3:8. Stands between. A change of mind and will.

5) Must CONFESS Christ, Matt. 10:32-33; Rom. 10:9-10. Rahab is an excellent example. Josh. 2:11. “For the LORD your God he is God in heaven above, and in earth beneath.” We must confess what it is we believe.

6) Must be BAPTIZED, Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:36

a. Into Christ. Unbaptized, outside of Christ, Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3-5.

b. For the remission or forgiveness of sins, Acts 2:38.

c. To be saved, 1 Pet. 3:21.

CONCLUSION:

1. Jehovah is Lord of heaven and earth.

2. He is a God of kindness.

3. He keeps His word.

4. He must be obeyed.