The Just Shall Live by Faith

How does faith relate to Christian living? In four different locations, the Bible says, “the just shall live by faith” (Hab. 2:4; Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). God calls upon His people to live with complete confidence in Him regardless of circumstances and consequences. Accordingly, the faith life is foundational to a right relationship with God, mandatory for all believers to realize genuine Christian expression, and strategic for handling well all the challenges related to trusting God. 

Christians are to progressively realize what it means to actually be in a relationship with God—that is, trusting His Word and responding to it in daily interaction with Him. Obviously, this excludes behaving as if God is not involved in our lives. When we are living in fear, doubt, worry, and apprehension, we are simultaneously expressing that God is not actually real to us or He is too impotent to impact our situation. If we resort to inactive service, manipulations, frustration, discouragement, and self-confidence, it is clear we are not walking with God by faith. In such instances, we are unwittingly displaying that God’s love has no tangible meaning in our daily experience. These developments are grossly incompatible with a life of utter dependence upon God and His Word.

Clearly, Christians are to live out each day with a biblically informed awareness of God’s Presence and plans by faith (Heb. 10:38). God unreservedly requires us to navigate our opportunities, aspirations, and actions with total faith in Him (Heb. 11:6). This is not like some egotistical tyrant greedily demanding absolute loyalty, but as the Creator God who knows better than any other what is best for us. Thus, He generously and graciously offers Himself to us! He desires that we know Him and thereby life at its best and fullest. This can only be realized with Him at the center of our very existence. He created us ultimately for Himself; therefore, it is impossible to be complete without Him. So, it is excellent counsel to live by faith in Him.

In addition, salvation is the entryway into a relationship with God. The faith life begins when we acknowledge our offensive sinfulness to God in repentance, and trust Christ, who died and rose again, for the forgiveness of our sins. Entrance into a relationship with God is through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3; 14:6). After the new birth, there must be growth and progress as disciples of our Lord (1 Pet. 2:1-3). This growth must be realized in the power the Spirit of God supplies and not in the energy or determination of the old fallen nature (Gal. 5; Rom. 8). Fallen humanity can do nothing to live up to God’s expectations without the empowering presence of the Spirit of grace. As we pursue positive growth, we will certainly face trials, oppositions, battles, persecutions, failures, confusion, chastening, and pain. Still faith enables us to face these challenges triumphantly (Heb. 11 & 12). So, in all 360 degrees of the Christian experience, faith is vitally essential.

So, are you saved through faith in Christ’s cross and resurrection? Are we Spirit-controlled Christians? Are we living like the awesome Almighty God is real in our lives? Are we living by faith or are we practical atheist? These questions highlight the natural implications of any serious attempts to live by faith. There can be no interactivity with the true and invisible God unless there is absolute confidence in His existence. This is clearly what the Scriptures, the source of faith, lay out for us (Rom. 10:8-17). Faith is the key! We must believe in Him as Ultimate Reality, even though He is unseen by natural eyes (Heb. 11:1-6).

Faith affords us a kind of sixth sense, but it is not employed like our five natural senses. Faith allows believers to see, experience, explain, and know realities that others simply do not and cannot comprehend (Heb. 11:1-6). Therefore, we can explore, envision, endure, and execute on a scale no human dexterity, agility, or prowess can even begin to approach. Through faith we lay hold onto the strength, power, ability, and grace of Almighty God! Yes, the life of faith for each believer is potentially extraordinary! With this in mind, live by faith as a believer in Christ Jesus. Always remember, faith is foundational to a relationship with God, mandatory for genuine Christian growth and development, and strategic for handling all facets of Christian living.