As we have said, the pros and cons of the question of N.T. quotation involve too

much investigation into the vicissitudes of the MSS., and patient searching for guiding

principles for any attempt to be made here. The interested reader may look for a series

when time and opportunity allow the necessary work, which is rather heavy and tedious.

For the present purpose it is enough to see the use which the apostle makes of the O.T. at

every turn, either to teach, illustrate, or confirm the truth he is unfolding. Habakkuk's

faith rested upon the faithfulness of God, even though outward circumstances prompted

the jibe of the scoffer, "Where is the promise? " During the time of trial, while the vision

waited God's appointed time, Habakkuk learned, and manifested practically that" The

just by faith shall live." This is the order of the words both in the Hebrew, the 70:, and

in the three quotations of Paul. The very ambiguity is seized by the apostle, in one place,

to emphasize the truth, "The just by faith. . . . shall live," and at another, "The just. . . . by

faith shall live."

By keeping the passage of Habakkuk in mind we shall be saved from that rash

system of interpretation that either makes faith into a work or into a fetish, that makes

faith into a dead legal form instead of a warm, breathing, living organic part of the new

birth. Just as man, the living soul, may be spoken of as " body, soul, and spirit," yet

essentially one, so the new life is manifested by " faith, hope and love"; neither may

these be separated, except mentally, without the spiritual dissolution of the new man. As

we proceed through this wonderful epistle Hab. 2: 4 will unfold its three-fold fulless. We

shall learn more fully the meaning of :

"The just" (ho dikaios).

" By faith" (ek pisteos).

"Shall live" (gesetai).

He who comprehends Paul's teaching concerning righteousness, faith and life, with

its alternative sin, disobedience and death, will understand the basis of Paul's gospel, and

can go forth to all the world with a gospel of which he need never be ashamed.