The current Christian concept sees God restoring Adam and Eve to Eden, not on the basis of a transformation of their personalities into the image of God but on the basis of mercy and forgiveness. This would be to change what God is. It would be to change God to the point that He is willing to dwell with lawlessness.

What, then, is the meaning of this expression that originated in the Old Testament and is repeated three times in the New Testament? The entire Scriptures are the definition of "the just shall live by faith," for this principle always has governed men—it is not just for the Christian Era. In addition, the Spirit of God has summarized the principle in Hebrews 10:38-11:40.

Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. (Hebrews 10:38)

The Book of Hebrews was written to careless believers. The theme of the Book of Hebrews is pressing on toward the promised rest of God. The author of Hebrews was writing to seasoned saints. They had suffered much but now had become complacent. They were neglecting their salvation. They were in danger of "dying in the wilderness."

The first aspect of faith that we notice (in Hebrews 10:38) is, it is a pressing forward ("but if any man draw back"). God takes pleasure in us when we press forward in Christ each day. The moment we become careless or disinterested the Lord is displeased. This is what is so dreadfully incomplete about the current "make a profession of Christ and then you will go to Heaven when you die."

The just shall live by faith means if we would please God we must make our life a continual quest for the Kingdom of God. The just shall live by faith covers men of all ages. The expression is found first in the Old Testament (Habakkuk 2:4).

Note carefully that the Holy Spirit, when instructing us concerning the faith that saves (in Hebrews, Chapter 11), uses examples from the Old Testament!

It is not only in Christianity that men please God by faith. No person at any time or in any place has ever pleased God by any means other than faith.

The Law of Moses was given to help the Israelites cope with sin until the Redeemer should come. In several instances in the Old Testament writings we find God was not satisfied with the offerings made to Him because they were not presented in faith.

Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord. (Malachi 1:13)

"What a weariness is it!"

It was not enough just to bring an animal. The heart of the worshiper had to be full of faith toward the Lord.

To be continued.