“The just shall live by faith.” Hebrews 10:38

The Paradigm of Faith

This spiritual standard is a durable thread running throughout Scripture. It first appears in Habakkuk 2:4. We pick it up again in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11. Then again it reminds us of its cardinal truth in Hebrews 10:38, above. Six words repeated four times across the pages of holy writ.

How then shall we live? The just shall live by faith. My faith informs my life.

God has set forth throughout the Bible specifics as to how He would have us live. So many things are settled for me because I know what God has said about them. My truth is not situational or relative or founded on shifting sands. It is not subject to trends or opinions or perceived offenses or political correctness. My faith informs my life.

In the book of Hebrews, the saints of old accomplished great things upon the earth. These things were achieved because faith was followed by obedience. They were realized because faith saw farther than kings or edicts or temporary pleasures. Our spiritual fathers (and mothers) pressed on because they saw the invisible. Faith’s eyes saw the reward and the glory. They believed the promises. This is how we are to be living our lives in this present age.

By faith we offer up to God the best that we are, the best that we have, esteeming God above all else. Nothing is so precious or powerful in our lives that we would not abandon it in sacrifice to a God who is beyond price and an inestimable treasure. As Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”

Faith is assured of the bedrock belief that God is able. Faith believes that God will make good on His word. Faith reverences and honors God. Faith endures and perseveres. Faith pleases God.

As a new year approaches, may we determine to live out each day walking by faith and not by sight. The just shall live by faith!

“Father, through the ages You have sought men and women who would believe You to the exclusion of all else. You have proved Yourself faithful. You have proved Yourself more than enough. May we ever live our lives to Your glory. Amen.”