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NASB | James 2:25 In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 2:25 In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works too, when she received the [Hebrew] spies as guests and protected them, and sent them away [to escape] by a different route? [Josh 2:1-21] |
Subject: Lying is a sin. Rahab did it for the en, |
Bible Note: Dear Vintage, Ethics is not a "theological model" (sic). Ethics is a category of study within the broader scope of theology and philosophy. From my Pocket Dictionary of Theological Terms, here is a definition far better than I might give: "An area of philosophical and theological inquiry into what constitutes right and wrong, that is, morality, as well as what is the good and the good life. Ethics seeks to provide insight, principles, or even a system of guidance in the quest of the good life or in acting rightly in either general or specific situations of life. Broadly speaking, ethical systems are either deontological (seeking to guide behaviors through establishment or discovery of what is intrinsically right and wrong) or teleological (seeking to guide behavior through an understanding of the outcomes or ends that ethical decisions and behavior bring about)." In Romanist thinking, the Church -- the visible organization operated from the Vatican -- dictates ethics. The Reformers sought to derive all such authority from Scripture. (I've tried to explain this concept to you in previous posts: it is called sola Scriptura.) Your non-denominational church and my Baptist church are direct historical, beneficiaries of those efforts of the Reformers. The only difference is that we make a positive affirmation of it, rather than to list things we are not. Believe me, taking the latter tact would fill a library. There are a lot more things that we aren't than that we are! But I digress... I would hesitate to assert what Rahab knew and what she did not know. Narrative provides a very poor basis upon which to build doctrine. The point of that narrative isn't about the lie, but her receiving of the spies. That act was a manifestation of her God-given faith. I cannot say more than what Scripture says (sola Scriptura) -- and it is explicit about Rahab (Psalm 89:10; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25). Read again what these passages say, ask yourself, upon what did Rahab place her faith? You can stand fast upon what the Scripture says about Scripture -- that's called the "analogy of faith" (part of sola Scriptura). I think you are also a bit confused about the purpose of the Law. Lawlessness is not righteousness. You need to revisit those first three chapters of Romans. What they are speaking of is the universality of sin. You sure need that book, buddy. Being steadfast is a virtue, but only when it is rooted in the Rock (Psalm 81:11-13). Those of us reading and participating in the forum are praying for you! In Him, Doc |