The Just Shall Live by His Faith (Habakkuk 2:4)

2022-11-02

The Lord told Habakkuk that the Babylonians were going to destroy Judah, and eventually, that empire would also be judged (“the vision is yet for an appointed time” in Habakkuk 2:3). In the meantime, the people who truly belonged to the Lord were told this:

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4)

The Lord’s plans do not follow our plans, but in the end, the wicked will be judged. We are to trust His ways. We live by faith.

This verse is quoted many times in the New Testament because the principle, though it has a historical context, applies to us.

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. (Romans 1:17)

The Gospel declares a righteousness from God available to all who believe. We are first declared righteous, which is a topic discussed in detail through Romans 5, and Romans 6-8 shows how to live righteously, which is only by the life of Christ in us.

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. (Galatians 3:11)

Living by the law is contrasted with living by faith. In the next verse, the Spirit says, “And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them” (Galatians 3:12). To think we follow the Law is self-righteousness. We need His righteousness, which only comes from the complete work of Jesus Christ. In ourselves, we are bankrupt of righteousness.

Hebrews 10:38

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (Hebrews 10:38)

Not only should we live by faith, but we must continue in faith. Some born-again Christians do not persevere in faith, and as seen later, will receive divine discipline (Hebrews 12:4-11). Whatever may be the case, those who truly believe will not lose their salvation, as the next verse tells us, “But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:39). We are “born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:23).

Conclusion

The world is always contrary to the ways of the Lord. In those many times where it seems like God is aloof, keep pursuing Him. Also, we believe that Jesus died for us and rose from the dead. Fixate your eyes on the hope of our salvation, Jesus Christ, and let everything else remain in the periphery. Continue to wait for His return.