“But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for ‘the just shall live by faith'” (Galatians 3:11).
Galatians 3:11 contains one of the best known statements in all Scripture: “the just shall live by faith.” This quote is taken from the book of the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk and appears two additional times within the pages of the New Testament (see Romans 1:17 and Hebrews 10:38). It also served as the verse that inspired Martin Luther and ultimately led to the Protestant Reformation.
We can gain additional insight into this passage by examining the societal conditions of Habakkuk’s day and the events that led up to this famous declaration…
“How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But You do not listen! ‘Violence is everywhere!’ I cry, but You do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence. I am surrounded by people who love to argue and fight. The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts. The wicked far outnumber the righteous, so that justice has become perverted” (Habakkuk 1:2-4 NLT).
Here was God’s response to the prophet’s lament…
“…I am doing something in your own day, something you wouldn’t believe even if someone told you about it. I am raising up the Babylonians, a cruel and violent people. They will march across the world and conquer other lands. They are notorious for their cruelty and do whatever they like” (Habakkuk 1:5-7 NLT).
The idea that God would use the violent Babylonians to discipline the Israelites was something that Habakkuk found difficult to accept. But God’s explanation was not long in forthcoming…
“Behold the proud, His soul is not upright in him; But the just shall live by his faith” (Habakkuk 2:4).
Much like the prophet Habakkuk, we may find it difficult to discern God’s purpose behind the events that occur in life. When we are challenged by things we cannot easily explain, we would do well to remember that “the just shall live by faith” and keep the following passages in mind…
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV).
“If you want to know what God wants you to do, ask him, and he will gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a bountiful supply of wisdom to all who ask him; he will not resent it” (James 1:5 TLB).