1. Joshua 2:1–24 (ESV)
  2. Application

Faith known by its fruits

Joshua 2:1–24 (ESV)

1 And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho.” And they went and came into the house of a prostitute whose name was Rahab and lodged there.

The Heidelberg Catechism clearly defines true faith (Lord's Day 7, Question & Answer 21):

  • True faith is a sure knowledge whereby I accept as true all that God has revealed to us in His Word (John 17:3, John 17:17; Hebrews 11:1–3; James 2:19).

  • At the same time it is a firm confidence (Romans 4:18–21; Romans 5:1; Romans 10:10; Hebrews 4:16) that not only to others, but also to me (Galatians 2:20), God has granted forgiveness of sins, everlasting righteousness, and salvation (Romans 1:17; Hebrews 10:10), out of mere grace, only for the sake of Christ's merits (Romans 3:20–26; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8–10).

  • This faith the Holy Spirit works in my heart by the gospel (Acts 16:14; Romans 1:16; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 1:21).

The Heidelberg Catechism also emphasizes that true faith will be evident in changed lives (Lord's Day 24, Answer 64):

  • It is impossible that those grafted into Christ by true faith should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness (Matthew 7:18; Luke 6:43–45; John 15:5).