“…But the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).
“‘Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him’” (Hebrews 10:38).
Though stated succinctly by Habakkuk in the seventh century B. C., this truth is timeless. From the beginning of time, the preeminent characteristic of just (or righteous) humans has been a life of faith.
Book, chapter, and verse proof of this is abundantly provided in Hebrews 11. Abel was righteous because he lived by faith (v. 4). Enoch was righteous because he lived by faith (v. 5). Noah was righteous because he lived by faith (v. 7). Abraham was righteous because he lived by faith (vv. 8-10, 17-18). Sarah was righteous because she lived by faith (vv. 11-12). Isaac was righteous because he lived by faith (v. 20). Jacob was righteous because he lived by faith (v. 21). Joseph was righteous because he lived by faith (v. 22). Moses (vv. 24-29) and his parents (v. 23) were righteous because they lived by faith.
Three New Testament books—Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews—quote this timeless truth. Though the covenants and priesthood have changed, the fact remains: The just shall live by faith. As long as the earth stands, God’s unchanging expectation of humanity is to live by faith in Him.
Anyone who draws back from this divine obligation retreats into perdition (Hebrews 10:39).
