Can God Really Change Lives?
A question often put to ministers and evangelists is 'Does God really forgive sin, all sin, even horrendous sins and change people's lives?' The answer is 'YES' and the proof is found in God's Word - Joshua Chapter 2, a story familiar to all members of the Royal Black Institution.
The story of Rahab the prostitute (Joshua Chapter 2 verses 1 & 11; Chapter 6 verse 23; Hebrews Chapter 11 verse 31, James Chapter 2 verse 25, Matthew Chapter 1 verse 5). When a person truly believes and truly repents of their sin to God and puts their trust in the Lord Jesus Christ, they are saved (Romans Chapter 10 verse 13; 1 John Chapter 1 verse 7; 2 Corinthians Chapter 5 verse 17). Let's look at this wonderful exciting story of Rahab that teaches us lots about faith, forgiveness, conversion and being changed. A wonderful picture of God's salvation. As you read Joshua Chapter 2 note:
1. Rahab's lifestyle (Joshua Chapter 2 verse 1) She was an ungodly Gentile who worshipped pagan gods and sold her body for money. She was morally wrong, a prostitute, showing her corrupt nature by her sinful actions. She was down in the pits of despair, in the gutter, being helpless to stop what she was doing and change her lifestyle. She needed to change, to have a new life, like Nicodemus in John Chapter 3 verse 3 'be born again' or she 'would not see the Kingdom of God'. This is true for everyone without Christ (John Chapter 3 verse 18 & 36). All have sinned and, as God is holy, He cannot turn a blind eye to sin. Sin must be punished.
2. Rahab's standing (Joshua Chapter 2 verse 1, Chapter 6 verses 1 & 2) She lived in a condemned city and among unbelieving people who were under God's judgement. They had heard about God but paid no attention to the truth, just like many in our country today (Joshua Chapter 2 verse 10). Why do I highlight these points? To show that salvation doesn't depend on your upbringing, religion, church attendance, or which Loyal Orders you belong to. Jonah Chapter 2 verse 9 tells us 'Salvation is of the Lord' and John Chapter 3 verse 16 tells us 'For God so loved the world (rich and poor; wise and foolish; good living and criminal) that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life'. Everyone without Christ needs the Lord. It is only through trusting in Him as Saviour and Lord that a person can be right with God. No other way. No one else. Nothing else. As the hymn 'Rock of Ages' says: 'Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling; naked come to Thee for dress, helpless, look to Thee for grace, Foul I to the Fountain fly; wash me, Saviour, or I die'.
3. Rahab's Privilege (Joshua Chapter 2 verses 9-11) She, like the rest of the people had heard about the God of Israel - of His power in delivering, in providing, in protecting, in saving and in judgement. Unlike the rest of the people, she stopped and thought about the truth and acted upon it. 'Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God' (Romans Chapter 10 verse 17) She believed in God (Joshua Chapter 2 verse 11) turning from her idolatrous worship and sinful actions. She came into a personal relationship with God - a member of his family (John Chapter 1 verse 12). She took God at His Word (Joshua Chapter 2 verse 9) and acted upon it. As you have heard the Word of God preached, showing you your need of salvation - having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, have you responded? It is not enough to hear and think about it, you need to believe it and act upon it. You are privileged to have heard the truth of God's Word, but remember privilege brings responsibility.
4. Rahab's Deliverance (Joshua Chapter 6 verses 22-25) She couldn't save herself. Neither can you. It was all of God - all of His grace and mercy (Ephesians Chapter 2 verses 8 & 9). She was the least deserving of the people but God heard her confession (Joshua Chapter 2 verse 11) and saw her action (Joshua Chapter 2 verse 18) and saved her (Joshua Chapter 6 verses 22-25). The scarlet chord (Joshua Chapter 2 verse 18) is a picture of the cross of Jesus reminding us of the precious blood He shed in taking the punishment for our sins (1 Peter Chapter 1 verses 18 & 19). No other way to be saved and be right with God (Acts Chapter 4 verse 12) We can say the scarlet cord made her safe and kept her safe (Joshua Chapter 2 verse 18) while the Word made her sure (Joshua Chapter 2 verses 12). Just as the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from our sin (1 John Chapter 1 verse 7) and the promise of God confirms this (1 John Chapter 1 verse 9). God is always true to His Word (Hebrews Chapter 7 verse 25) able to save to the uttermost or completely all who come to Him. He turns no one away. He is able to change and give victory over Satan and sin (2 Corinthians Chapter 5 verse 17 and 1 Corinthians Chapter 15 verse 57).
What God did for Rahab, He can do for you, so come to Him now (2 Corinthians Chapter 6 verse 2).
Sir Knight Pastor Roy Graham
Deputy County Grand Chaplain