The Just Shall Live By Faith

The Purpose of Pain

By Apostle Felix

4  Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. 

Habakkuk 2: 4

17  For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 1: 17

The apostle Paul made a bold declaration in Romans 1: 16, that he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ because it is the power of God unto salvation. He made that declaration because in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith. Apostle Paul had a past that was marred with the persecution of the church. He was a man that was in the forefront persecuting the saints and dragging some to their death, like Stephen. His past was full of shame. But the gospel of Christ had righteousness of God to him, which he had received by faith. He then quoted from Habakkuk, where it had been written, “The just shall live by faith.”

11  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

The just is one who has been justified by the grace of God. The faith of the just is not for pursuing things, but for believing what the Lord has done for you. The faith emphasis is often to do with acquiring things. Due to this approach, the church has become more material conscious than Jesus conscious. Faith is not used for earning rewards. We often hear testimonies that are more based on works than grace. Such testimonies like, ‘I did this and God did this for me.’ That kind of approach creates a performance mentality as opposed to rest mentality.

4  Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 

Romans 4: 4, 5

The just live not by human performance, but by the faith of Jesus. We have been saved by grace through faith, and God has given us His life, which is eternal. The just have received the life of God by faith, and not by works, Ephesians 2: 8.

16  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Galatians 2: 16

Faith is rest. Restlessness is due to lack of faith in  the finished work of Christ. What Jesus called unbelief and doubt in His disciples was their inability to trust in Christ. Remember, Jesus was in the boat sleeping soundly when the storm rose on the sea. He did not twitch a bit out panic because of the storm. He was at rest. But while Jesus was at rest, the disciples were panicking. Jesus called their panicking lack of faith. Lack of faith in who? Of course, in the presence of Jesus in the boat. Is Jesus in your life? Do not panic. Rest in Him because He has done it all. This does not mean neglecting your responsibilities. No, attend to your businesses, studies, work while resting in Christ. Do your work while trusting God for things you are cannot do. Relax and watch Jesus do the impossible in your life this year of 2026.