Living By Faith
David W. Hester
"Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not
upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith" (Hab.
2:4). Because of Judah's unfaithfulness, the inspired prophet
had declared that God had withdrawn His protection and promises.
Judah would be subjected to Babylonian captivity as a result of
the apostate pride that characterized so many. In the midst of
all the suffering and turmoil, the just would continue to live
by his faith. Indeed, Ezekiel would later foresee the day when
a righteous remnant would return which did happen under Zerubbabel,
Ezra, and Nehemiah.
The phrase "the just shall live by faith"
is repeated several times in the New Testament. "For therein
is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it
is written, the just shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17). "But
that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is
evident: for, the just shall live by faith" (Gal. 3:11).
"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back,
my soul shall have no pleasure in him" (Heb. 10:38). In each
passage, a different aspect of "living by faith" is
emphasized.
In Romans 1:16, Paul emphasizes the power of the
gospel, and affirms in verse 17 that it is where God's righteousness
may be found and where the child of God may turn in order to live
by faith. Romans 10:17 asserts, "So then faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Instead of waiting
for visions, nudges, or leadings, the child of God must observe
God's law and keep it (Ps. 119:34).
Paul answers those who would go back to the Mosaic
Law for their justification in Galatians 3:11. He plainly declares
they cannot. "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever
of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace"
(Gal. 5:4). Literally speaking, they have "given up grace!"
Since the gospel is the power of God for salvation, the Law of
Moses cannot be followed as a means of our justification.
The Hebrews writer warns the child of God of the
danger of falling in Hebrews 10:38. In fact, verses 25-31 warns
in pointed language what would happen to those who sin willfully
after receiving the knowledge of the truth. After giving his admonition
in verse 38, he then writes, "But we are not of them who
draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving
of the soul" (Heb. 10:39). Thus, we can see how important
it is for us to live by faith.
Living by faith is essential to growth. We must
stand in the faith (2 Cor. 1:24). We must contend for the faith
(Jude 3). We must continue in the faith (Col. 1:23). We must do
our work by faith (1 Thess. 1:3). And, we must be faithful unto
death (Rev. 2:10). Living by faith is not an option it is an obligation;
one which the child of God will gladly follow. "Make me to
go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight"
(Ps. 119:35). May we all resolve to live by faith!
David Hester
-
-