The article "Saving Faith" by Don Fortner addresses the nature of saving faith, using the biblical account of Rahab as a prime example. Fortner argues that Rahab's faith not only rescued her from physical destruction but also signified a deeper spiritual deliverance from hell, illustrating the concept that true faith leads to salvation. He references Hebrews 11:31 to highlight that faith is the divinely ordained means through which salvation is realized, reinforcing that Christ's atonement is essential for eternal life. The significance of this doctrine lies in the assurance it provides: that faith in Jesus Christ is sufficient for redemption, regardless of one's past, effectively illustrating the Reformed belief in salvation by grace alone through faith alone.
Key Quotes
“Her salvation...was not merely the deliverance of her body from the sword but redemption of her soul from hell.”
“The same faith that saved Rahab saves us. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall perish not even if your name is Rahab.”
“The fountain filled with Immanuel’s blood was opened for the cleansing of souls as black as hell.”
“Be assured child of God, nothing in your life's experience is accidental; you walk in a divinely appointed way.”
By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. that...: Or, that were disobedient - Hebrews 11:31Saving Faith
“By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.” Hebrews 11:31
Rahab’s faith was saving faith — “By faith the harlot Rahab perished not!” She was delivered from destruction and death, though all around her perished under the wrath of God, because she believed God. Her salvation, however, was not merely of a temporal nature, not merely the deliverance of her body from the sword, but redemption of her soul from hell. Oh, what a great gift faith is. It is that which saves the soul from hell!
“So mighty is the ever-rushing torrent of sin, that no arm but that which is as strong as Deity can ever stop the sinner from being hurried down to the gulf of black despair, and, when nearing that gulf, so impetuous is the torrent of divine wrath, that nothing can snatch the soul from perdition but an atonement which is as divine as God himself. Yet faith is the instrument of accomplishing the whole work.” (C. H. Spurgeon)
Great Salvation
What a great thing the salvation of a soul is! You can never know how great it is until you experience it. There are only two people who know what salvation is: The Saved and The Savior! No one knows what liberty is except a freed captive, and the Deliverer. No one knows what redemption is but a ransomed soul, and the Redeemer. No one knows what forgiveness is but a forgiven sinner, and the Forgiver. And no one knows what salvation is but a saved soul, and the Savior.
Great Faith
“By faith, the harlot Rahab perished not.” God sent his Word, and she believed it. God showed her the blood, and she hung everything on it. The same faith that saved Rahab saves us. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall perish not, even if your name is Rahab! Christ’s gospel is a declaration of free salvation for sinners. Thieves, murderers, and harlots find in his blood full absolution from all sin (Rom. 8:1-4, 33-34).
Great Hope
The fountain filled with Immanuel’s blood was opened for the cleansing of souls as black as hell. The robe of Christ was woven for buck-naked sinners, guilty before God. The balm of Calvary is for sin-sick souls. He who is Life came into the world to raise the dead. Oh, perishing and guilty soul, may God give you Rahab's faith! If he does, you shall have Rahab’s salvation, and shall with her stand yonder, where the white-robed spotless hosts sing unending hallelujah to God and the Lamb.
April 27, 2003
“The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand”— (Psalm 37:23-24). Be assured, child of God, nothing in your life’s experience is accidental. You walk in a divinely appointed way. Your life’s path, with all its bumps, bruises and blessings, was appointed for you, when as yet you had no existence, by the eternal wisdom and love of your heavenly Father.
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