The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

Behold, his soul is puffed up. It is not upright in him, but the righteous will live by his faith. — Habakkuk 2:4
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
Charles Spurgeon

Author

Charles Spurgeon

Summary: The life of the righteous is sustained by faith in the Lord, not by their own righteousness. Even if we become mature or able to suffer for Jesus, we must not trust in our own courage or claim any merit: we live by his work and turn to his intercession. Living by faith is safer and happier than depending on feelings or works. Like a branch joined to the vine, we receive everything from Jesus as we hold fast to him. If even the most righteous person must live this way, how much more must one who recognizes their sin. Let us trust in him completely to the end.

Courageous FaithWalking the Extra MileStanding Firm in FaithPower of FaithWitnessing God's MiraclesRadical Faithfulness

I shall not die. I must believe, and indeed I do believe in the Lord my God, and this faith will keep me alive. I want to be counted among those who are righteous in their lives; but even if I were fully mature, I would not seek to live by my own righteousness: I would cling to the work of the Lord Jesus, and would still live by faith in Him and nothing else.

If I were able to give my body to the flames for my Lord Jesus, I would not trust in my own courage and steadfastness, but would still live by faith.

“If I were a martyr at the stake,

I would plead my Savior’s name;

I would beg forgiveness through His intercession,

And claim no other right.”

Living by faith is safer and happier than living by feelings or by works. The branch, living in the vine, lives a better life than it would on its own, even if it were possible for it to live entirely apart from the stem. To live clinging to Jesus and receiving everything from Him is sweet and sacred. Even the most righteous must live this way; how much more must I, a poor sinner, do so! Lord, I believe. I must trust in You entirely. What else could I do? Trusting in You is my life. I feel that this is so. I will hold fast to this until the end.

Source: The Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith. Translated by Allan Roman.

http://www.spurgeon.com.mx/chequera/meditames/abril.pdf