Live By Faith Series

Live by Faith

When shopping at Piggly Wiggly, Publix, Wal-Mart, or Winn-Dixie, most of us pay with credit cards. Of course, whatever we charge on those cards has to be paid back. Believe it or not, there is a freely given, exchangeable credit that can be used to secure our ticket to heaven. Just what exactly is that supernatural, non-monetary medium of exchange, one might ask?

Well, it is not riches. It is not doing good works. It is not doing good deeds or even living an exemplary life—not that those are in any way negative things. It's just that those attributes or traits do not, nor will not, purchase the key that opens the gates to heaven. So what is this wonderful, redeemable 'currency' we can gain?

The blood of Jesus was shed as payment for the sins of everyone. However, as we know, only some of us will see the brighter side of heaven. Others will feel the fires of hell. The Bible offers many examples of the necessary spiritual currency we must have—a true faith in Christ. Yes, the way to gain eternal salvation is freely offered, but we must believe our faith into existence. That is how we 'earn' this currency.

Acting in faith, praying for our faith and the faith of others, are also rewardable attributes. God has given us His Word, in our hearts and from our Bibles, so that while we are here on the earth, our faith in Christ will prove to be the currency that will purchase our individual, eternal life in heaven. I specifically mention 'individual' because we cannot pray someone else into heaven. We can pray for their salvation, but it is their personal response to the will of the Holy Spirit that becomes the deciding factor.

Galatians 2:20, New King James Version. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

So, is Christian faith explained and/or limited by the New Testament alone? No!

The Old Testament book of Habakkuk, written 2,600 years ago, is an ancient Bible text that reveals startling connections of examples of faith for us today. In this book of the minor prophets, Habakkuk records a dialogue between the prophet and God. Imagine God and a man having a One-on-one discussion. What better, first hand, evidence to base the definition of human faith upon! It all begins with a series of difficult expressions of Habakkuk's deep doubts and concerns over the unchecked evils within his society. Evils, I must add, much the same as the evils we face today.

The eighth book of the Bible's 12 minor prophets, Habakkuk probably composed this work late in the 7th century BC. Contrary to several other prophets, Habakkuk penned a humbly short book. While waiting for and expecting an eventual judgment of Babylon, he received a vision that evoked memories of past deliverance—both from a historical and a godly view. His book of prophecy carried a “Christ-like” message several centuries prior to the virgin birth of Jesus. The components of Habakkuk's epistle are vital, since it carried God’s message to the people. The first two of three short chapters reflect a dialogue between him and God.

By way of comment, the title of this lesson could also be a simple, “Why God?” Or it could be “The Just Shall Live by Faith.” But the message within is that we should live by faith and obedience.

Millions of warriors and civilians have died in America's numerous wars. In the shadows of those tragic conflicts, there have been deaths from hurricanes, tornadoes, droughts, floods, heatwaves, and winter storms. Then, and even in today's tumultuous times with the persistent and ever changing COVID-19 troubles, people often ask, “Why does God allow the sufferings of these calamities?

Our Almighty Father doesn’t mind us voicing questions, but when any questions or doubts crowd out our faith in Him—that is sinful. Habakkuk's book relates the answers the prophet received from God regarding why He allows injustice.

Even among devout Christians, who of us has thoroughly studied the Old Testament book of Habakkuk? In the Protestant King James Version, he is mentioned only twice. Other Bible translations claim that God instructed him to bring food to Daniel in the Lion's Den. In fact, in the New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, he is purported to be sitting with Daniel as the lions pace around them. These differing versions of the Book of Daniel, which place Habakkuk in that situation, generally have fourteen chapters, two more than the twelve chapters of the New King James version.

What we actually know is, he was the eighth of the twelve minor prophets in the Bible. His three short chapters warn Judah of impending doom. Habakkuk's main prophecy was directed against the kingdoms of Babylon, Persia and Media, which grew into terrible warring powers that conquered the Land of Israel and the rest of the ancient world.