14
66 is on a rescue operation of an even greater scale, the final deliverance from a universe stained
with sin. So Paul is clearly working within the limits of normal principles of Biblical theology
when he adapts the thought of Hab. 2:4b to his own theme of justification by faith.
Both Habakkuk and Paul view faith in God and His word as crucial. For Habakkuk,
consistent faith offers the person the ability to live, i.e. to survive difficult times. For Paul,
consistent trust offers the person the ability to live, i.e. escape the consequences of being exposed
to divine wrath. There is a similarity in the thought of Habakkuk and Paul, but there is also a
difference. Paul was speaking of life in a deeper and more profound sense than Habakkuk. But
for both, a consistent believing response is the key to a proper relationship with God, and the key
to a successful approach to the kinds of problems that life brings to members of the human race.
Paul's Use of Hab. 2:4 in Gal. 3:11. One might think that the solution to Paul's use of
Hab. 2:4 in Rom. 1:17 would be the same solution for his use of the verse in Gal. 3:11. But I
submit that such thinking would be imprecise at best. Let us first note the text of Gal. 3:10-14 as
rendered in the New American Standard version (1977).
10
For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written,
"Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the
law, to perform them."
11
Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is
evident; for, "The righteous man shall live by faith."
12
However, the Law is not of
faith; on the contrary, "He who practices them shall live by them."
13
Christ
redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us-- for it is
written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree "--
14
in order that in Christ
Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might