In the Bible, there are many verses that are either quoted or repeated. Since the entire Bible is God-breathed, those repetitive verses are reminders to us that we should spend enough time reading to comprehend the meaning of those verses. When God speaks to us, if we don’t listen, He tells us again. How many times do parents have to remind their children? Just because a child doesn’t choose to acknowledge the parent’s instruction does not mean that the parent simply surrenders by ceasing that instruction. Instead, most parents become more demonstrative with their words, as they pass the point from encouragement to demand.
One of those repetitive verses comes from a minor prophet in the Old Testament book of Habakkuk. The difference between major prophets and minor prophets has nothing to do with power. Instead, the major prophets are called that because their books are longer. Yet the minor prophets spoke with the same power, but packed that power into fewer words. Most of us should be familiar with the phrase in the fourth verse:
2 Then the LORD answered me and said:
“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
3For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.
4“Behold the proud,
His soul is not upright in him;
But the just shall live by his faith.
Habakkuk 2:2-4
Three more times in the New Testament, this verse is quoted, yet each of those quotations seem to emphasize a different word.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
Romans 1:16-17
In Romans, when quoting Habakkuk, Paul describes the process of how a sinner can come into the presence of a righteous God. It occurs through justification, which is the opposite of condemnation. In justification, God pardons those who believe in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. To be justified is to walk in the knowledge that it was “just if I’d” never sinned! So in this passage, Paul emphasizes the word, “just,” as in “the just shall live by faith!” This verse is quoted again by the same author in Hebrews:
32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; 34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
37“For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
38Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him.”
Hebrews 10:32-38
In the passage above, Paul discusses the importance of endurance in our lives. Though God illuminates our lives with His presence, we continue to endure earthly difficulties and sufferings. He reminds us to confidently stay the course, regardless of those trials. Upon quoting Habakkuk, this time, Paul is emphasizing the word, “live,” as “the just shall live by faith!” Certainly, it is no surprise where Paul is going next:
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by them.”
13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:10-14
Lastly, in Galatians, Paul emphasizes “faith,” as in “the just shall live by faith!” Faith is the hope of things not seen. As Christians, we understand that “believing is seeing,” rather than the more often accepted statement that “seeing is believing.” If we understand the power and principles of electricity, it is not blind faith to expect a light to go on when we turn the switch! Though we cannot see electricity, we have faith that the process will work.
This is a wonderful example of the amazing depth that God offers each of us through His Word. This is such a simple phrase of only six words, “the just shall live by faith.” With three of those words being emphasized in different New Testament passages, the statement changes meaning completely! Are you just, not by your own actions but by the saving grace of Jesus Christ? Are you willing to endure a life of trials for your Lord, with His promise of a heavenly life when this one is over? Are you willing to trust in Him with faith, standing on His promises regardless of the difficulties? The depth of this phrase should inspire you to read the Bible in a deeper way! Lord, give us our daily bread, for man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God!
One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.
Deuteronomy 19:15
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