Holy Bible Online 
The expression "the just shall live by faith", or "the righteous shall live by faith" emphasizes that those who are faithful to God, considered just, live driven by their faith and will receive life from the Lord.
Living by faith means placing all trust in Jesus and not in circumstances. It is about being faithful, following God’s will, and standing firm even in the face of life’s challenges and uncertainties.
Furthermore, the expression indicates a lifestyle that is different from the usual. Those who live by faith, seeking to know and obey God, will see His promise of Life fulfilled. However, the unbelievers, filled with pride and selfishness, doing evil, will have a different destiny and will be punished.
In other words, it means that the only way to achieve a full life is through FAITH in Jesus Christ, the Supreme Lord.
For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed - a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.
- Romans 1:17
Meaning of 'the just shall live by faith'
This expression means that faith must be present in the believer's life from beginning to end. It starts with the first step of faith taken by entrusting one's life to Christ, continues by depending solely and completely on Him, and proceeds with faithfulness to God throughout the journey. This faith projects us into eternity with God, the eternal life.
The first time the expression "the just shall live by faith" appears in the Bible is in Habakkuk 2:4. In that context, Habakkuk was prophesying to the Israelites during the Babylonian exile. This period was marked by great destruction and suffering, but God upheld His promise of life and hope for His people.
In the New Testament, this idea established in the past is revisited in the new covenant and related to the theme of righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. This grace involves many other results in the believer's life, distinguishing them from the unfaithful. 
Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith
- Galatians 3:11
In Galatians, the expression is used by Paul to demonstrate that justification by faith is a principle that extends from the Old Testament to the New. He argues that faith in God is the means by which all people are justified, and that the law cannot confer righteousness. It is through faith in Jesus that God grants life!
In Romans 1:17, Paul uses the same expression to emphasize that justification does not come from observing the law, but from faith in Jesus Christ. He argues that salvation is not achieved through our own efforts, but is a gift from God, received by faith. The context here is the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles in Rome.
In Hebrews 10:38, the phrase is used to emphasize the importance of perseverance in faith, even amidst persecution and suffering. The author of Hebrews exemplifies this truth with a lengthy list of "heroes of faith" and the covenant they maintained with the Lord. Indeed, the letter encourages its readers to remain faithful to God and to trust in His promises, even when facing difficulties.
![But my righteous[a] one will live by faith](https://s.bibliaon.com/en/images/but-my-righteous-one-will-live-by-faith-and-i-take-no-pleasure-in-the-one-who-shrinks-back.jpg)
“But my righteous one will live by faith.
And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.”
- Hebrews 10:38
Although the contexts are different, both passages highlight the importance of faith as the means of justification before God. This is how we receive His Life.
Understanding 'the just shall live by faith'
The reference to "the just shall live by faith" in Habakkuk is related to the faith needed to survive in the midst of adversity.
In this context, the prophet Habakkuk points out two ways to face life. On one hand, we see the life of the wicked: they are not upright, are proud and evil, and therefore will be punished for their rebellion. In contrast, the idea of the just person obtaining life comes from their complete trust in God. The direct result of the believers' faithfulness is access to life, deliverance, and salvation.
This means that the just, before God - those who seek to do good and follow His commandments - are sustained by their trust in the Lord.
“See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright -
but the righteous person will live by His faithfulness.
- Habakkuk 2:4
Faith is also synonymous with faithfulness; therefore, it is an attitude of those who believe, being obedient and loyal to the Lord. The Bible also tells us that there is not one just person, but we are justified by faith in Christ (Romans 5:1). Those who are justified by Christ live differently, by faith in the Lord.
The message of Habakkuk teaches us that living by faith means remaining loyal and confident in God’s purposes. It also means living differently from the standards of unbelievers, away from evil, violence, greed, debauchery, and idolatry. It is trusting and rejoicing in the God of Salvation, even when everything around us crumbles (Habakkuk 3:17-18).
Live by faith in Jesus and receive an abundant life!
It is through faith in Christ that we are justified, receiving forgiveness for our sins and shortcomings. Everything is wiped away by Christ Himself, who makes us righteous and gives us the blessing of salvation, eternal life (John 3:15; John 3:36; Romans 10:9).
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