Lying? part 3

Rightous Lying?

When ever the question, “Is it ever alright to lie” comes up, it inevitably leads to Joshua 2 and the story of Rahab. As the reasoning goes, Rahab lied to the king to protect the spies, she did it for the Lord, and the Lord later commended her for it. Lets take a look at each part of that.


Rahab lied to protect the spies and she did it for the Lord

The point to this argument is, Rahab had right motivations when she lied. She lied for the Lord. The problem with this is the Bible never supports an “end justifies the means” philosophy of action. We have already recognized lying as a sin. Our motivation does not take away the sinfulness of the act. The Bible recognizes lying, deceitful actions, and flattery as sins.

What it comes down to is our faith. Do we have faith that God is in control of all situations. When we lie for God, we are in effect say “God, this will go wrong if I don’t help you out.” God desires our help, but He doesn’t need our sinful help. We show a lack of faith in Gods providence when we start sinning to help Him. As James 1 says, we take a righteous trial from God, and due to our fleshly desire, we turn it into sin.

This goes for Corrie ten Boom, the Underground Railroad, and anywhere Christians lie for God. God is never out of control in a situation.


The Lord commended her for it

When people try to justify Rahab’s actions, they look at Hebrews 11:31 and say “See, God said she was faithful.”

By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. Hebrews 11:31

They are correct, God said Rahab was faithful. But what action showed her faith? It was her receiving the spies peacefully, not her lying. God never commends her for sin.


Tomorrow I will try to wrap things up and give you some helpful links.