Meditation for Monday
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
Our text is quoting Habakkuk 2:4. The same statement – the just shall live by faith – is also found in Romans 1:17, and in Hebrews 10:38. For something to be repeated twice in the Bible usually indicates that it is important. So if it is repeated the third and fourth time, it must be extra important. Let us look at it and see.
The declaration that the just shall live by faith, as found in Habakkuk, shows the contrast between those who are lifted up in pride and those who live by faith. That is a good lesson for us. Do we rely on our own strength, our own resources, our own wisdom to make our way through life? Or do we by faith lay hold on the strength, resources, and wisdom of the Lord? We know the answer: In pride we die; by faith we live.
The declaration that the just shall live by faith, as found in Romans, is a contrast between faith and works, a declaration that the righteousness of God is linked to our faith in God. We are not justified before God by the works of the law, but by faith in Christ. In works we die; by faith we live.
The declaration that the just shall live by faith, as found in our text today, is a contrast between the law and faith. Even in the Old Testament, the law did not justify a sinner, but condemned the sin, imposed the penalty of death, and provided a sacrifice for a temporary covering. By the law, we die; by faith we live.
The declaration that the just shall live by faith, as found in Hebrews, shows the contrast between the victorious life available through faith and the destruction of drawing back into the world. There is nothing that brings pleasure to God in a life that is devoted to worldly pleasures, worldly gain, or worldly power. But our Lord is delighted when humble saints in faith seek to serve and follow Him. In the world we die; by faith we live.
The just shall live by faith. Four little sermons in six little words. We are the just. The life of faith lies before us. – Jim MacIntosh