THE JUST SHALL LIVE BY FAITH
“Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.” Habakkuk 2:4
This great principle—“the just shall live by faith”—was the Scripture that so inflamed the soul of Martin Luther that it became the watchword of the Reformation. It occurs first here in the small prophecy of Habakkuk, but is then quoted three times in the New Testament. The term “just,” of course, means “justified” or “righteous.” God says a person is enabled to live righteously by his faith.
The nature of this faith is clarified by three quotations: The first is Romans 1:17. “For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” The phrase “from faith to faith” means “from the beginning of faith to the end of faith,” and the context indicates that the foundational item of faith is faith in “His eternal power and Godhead,” which “from the creation of the world are clearly seen” (Romans 1:20).
Similarly, in the last occurrence: “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him” (Hebrews 10:38). Then, the writer notes that the basic item of faith is special creation: “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Hebrews 11:3).
The middle occurrence is Galatians 3:11: “But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith.” Paul’s lengthy explanation to the Galatian legalists begins with Galatians 2:16. “Even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ.” Thus, justifying, saving, living faith begins and centres in Jesus Christ, first as Creator of all things, then as the Saviour who “hath redeemed us from the curse of the law” (Galatians 3:13). – Dr. Henry M. Morris
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, October 21, 2018
10:00 a.m. Sunday school classes for all ages.
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. John McKnight Reformation Bible Church, Darlington, MD
6:00 p.m. Pre-service prayer time
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – WCS Dedication Service
Weekly Announcements
Wednesday, October 24th
7:30 p.m. Port Hope Anniversary Meeting.
We will be moving the prayer meeting to our Port Hope church. Those who would like to carpool are to meet at the church at 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 26th
9:00 a.m. Women’s Morning Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Good News Bible Club
Advance Announcements
Sunday, October 28th
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Rev. William McCrea Magherafelt FPC, N. Ireland
6:00 p.m. Pre-service Prayer Meeting
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Rev. William McCrea
Fellowship & Refreshments following the evening service. Team #2 is on duty.
Wednesday, October 31st
6:00 p.m. Funtastik Night
7:25 p.m. Prayer Meeting & Bible Study
Friday, November 2nd
7:00 p.m. Good News Bible Club
FUNTASTIK NIGHT
Wednesday, October 31st 6:00p.m. – 7:30p.m.
Each year we provide a safe alternative to Halloween for our children. It will be held in the high school building for children ages 6-12. If you would like to contribute, please mark your envelope accordingly.
LET THE BIBLE SPEAK RADIO BROADCAST
Rev. Ian Goligher has been broadcasting on the radio, Sunday mornings at 9:30am on Joy Radio 1250AM. Please pray for this outreach opportunity as the Gospel will be spread across the greater Toronto area.
THE WORD OF GOD
“The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable.
Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.
It is the traveller’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword and the Christian’s charter. Here too, Heaven is opened and the gates of Hell disclosed.
Christ is its grand subject, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure.
It is given you in life, will be opened at the judgment, and be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, rewards the greatest labour, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.” – Unknown
