The Just Shall Live by Faith
Introduction: Four books of the Bible contain the phrase “the just shall live by faith.” Gathering surrounding text from each allows us to consider the thought being conveyed by the Holy Spirit through the authors to us. This phrase appears in one Old Testament prophecy and in three New Testament letters, each passage shedding additional light on how faith is essential for justification before a Holy God.
NOTE: Bible passages are taken from the KJV.
A — Habakkuk: The Just Shall Live by Faith
Habakkuk 2 “4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.”
Comments: The first few verses of Habakkuk chapter 1 provide the setting in which this man wrote his prophecy over 600 years before the birth of Messiah, and therefore centuries before the Apostle Paul penned inspired letters with his additional affirmation that faith in the person of God is the only pathway to life. During Habakkuk’s time, the glory of Israel had been lost and Gentile nations were lifted above Israel. But the end of the proud and self-proclaimed upright person will come with certainty and swiftness. In contrast, those who are truly just through the only one who can justify will live eternally. We must not become discouraged by the appearance of the brief present, but rather remember to measure all things against the eternality of God’s promise to those who trust in him.
B — Romans: The Righteousness of God Revealed from Faith to Faith
Romans 1 “17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Comments: Paul tells us in Romans 1 that he was “separated unto the gospel of God” — indicating that Paul did not take that action on his own. Paul further tells us “The gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.” So, the righteousness which provides everlasting life and saves from eternal death is completely from God to the believer by faith. God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all unrighteousness, because the unrighteous man is without excuse for his rejection of salvation in light of God’s revelation of himself to all men from the creation of the world.
C — Galatians: No Man Is Justified by the Law
Galatians 3 “11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith. 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Comments: Paul calls the Galatians foolish, asking who has bewitched them, and why, if they received the spirit of God through faith by hearing the truth, should they return to dependence on works for their salvation? Even as Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness, so all those who believe God become part of the same faith family as Abraham — through faith, not biological bloodline. Scripture, showing us beforehand that God would justify all nations through faith, presented that gospel to Abraham saying, “In you shall all nations be blessed.” Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, so that the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ.
D — Hebrews: The Final Reference to This Truth
Hebrews 10 “38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.”
Comments: The author of Hebrews establishes that God has spoken in the last days through his Son whom he also has appointed heir to ALL things. Jesus offered his body once for all, and removed the need for the shadow of sacrifice. By this one offering he has perfected forever those that are sanctified. Therefore, we should hold tightly to the daily profession of our faith by our actions, without wavering; for our faith comes from him, and he is faithful. For if we continue in sin, there is no evidence that we have been saved by faith. But don’t cast away your confidence in Christ which has great recompense of reward — for yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not delay.
Reflections in Prayer
LORD, forgive me for those times when I am disturbed because the unrighteous have so many material blessings in this present world. Thank you for the reminder that even before the birth of Christ, your unchangeable nature establishes that the self-indulgent and proud are not righteous in God, but rather the just shall have life by faith in God alone. Guide me in securely apprehending the truth that the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation. Protect me Lord from any temptation to drift away toward thoughts of men apart from God, or to worship the creature rather than the creator who is forever to be praised. Guard me Lord from the pride of men, which confuses the truth with tradition. Thank you for making provision for men from every tribe, tongue, and nation to be saved through Abraham, even before you established your nation Israel. Come quickly Lord Jesus! Amen.
Published 31 May 2004; first issued 30 September 2000