The Just
R. Horsfall. Habakkuk 2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. When we repent and believe the Gospel, we live — are raised from spiritual death to spiritual life. I. THE JUST. Behold, his soul that is lifted up is not upright in him. Works which are supposed to merit, naturally puff up the mind with pride. The prophet says, that proud disposition which you think merits, because of your works, is not an upright disposition. Good works cannot avail to justification. You must believe, not works. Good works are evidences of faith. The just are such as God justifies by faith in His own beloved Son. For Christ's righteousness is to all, and upon all them that believe. II. THEY ARE ALIVE. Did they not live before? Yes, a natural life. They are quickened to a new and higher life. None are alive till born again of the Spirit. We must experience the "washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." III. HOW THE BELIEVER LIVES THIS SPIRITUAL LIFE. By his faith. The man who is justified by faith is made spiritually alive, and this life is maintained and supported by repeated acts of faith in the Son of God and Saviour of the world. Faith in Christ justifies, and by believing we receive righteousness and strength, and are made holy and acceptable to God. (R. Horsfall.) Parallel Verses KJV: Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith. WEB: Behold, his soul is puffed up. It is not upright in him, but the righteous will live by his faith.