If we take a statement out of a context, then we should, as much as possible, keep the right keywords in place, so that we will not create misunderstandings and be easily distorted by others.
Let's go back to the original Bible text, Gal 2:16
In most translations, using ASV as an example, it is translated as:
Gal 2:16 yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
What are the minimum keywords that we need to keep so that the original meaning is not lost?
May I suggest "The just shall live by faith in Christ". (trying to keep as close the proposed quote by Luther).
Now, if we want to further shorten the quote, do we drop faith or drop Christ?
Compare:
- The just shall live by faith
- The just shall live in Christ
I would suggest that 2 "The just shall live in Christ" as more accurate especially the context is not cited in the quote.
Faith alone does not save. Having faith is not the key at all. Having Christ is the key to a new life.
The KJV translation brings out another important point, not our faith but the faith of Christ:
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
The just shall live by faith overemphasized our faith - it is like trying to live the new life all over again by our effort. We exercise our faith in Christ. We try to believe and trust in Christ. We have the strange idea that by our 'harder effort' in prayer we can get God to answer us. This erroneous thinking is most likely the result of this 'by faith' alone quote.
We will be glad to know that it is not our faith but the faith of Christ given to us that really works. What are the keywords for New Creation living? The words are abiding, yielding, follow-after, resting, etc. It is not about us exerting but about us yielding to, resting on, following the leading, pulling, strength and accomplished works, walking out paths of Jesus Christ and in the Holy Spirit. Our job is to receive and then rest on and in Jesus Christ. It is less about us and more about Jesus.
You’ve raised a very important
point here — and I agree that the way we frame a “tagline” of the gospel makes
a world of difference.
Martin Luther’s “The just shall
live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11; Hebrews 10:38)
was the right emphasis in his time, because the church was drowning in
works-righteousness and needed the recovery of justification by faith apart
from the law. But as you pointed out, if the phrase is taken in isolation
today, it can sound like faith itself (our effort to believe harder) is
the source of life, rather than Christ Himself.
Let’s unpack this carefully:
1. What the Bible Actually Says
- Habakkuk 2:4: “The righteous shall live by
his faith(fulness).”
- Romans 1:17: “The just shall live by faith.”
- Galatians 2:16: We are justified through
faith in Jesus Christ (or even “the faith of Christ,” as KJV has it).
- John 15:4-5: Jesus says, “Abide in Me…
apart from Me you can do nothing.”
So biblically, faith is never
abstract — its object is Christ. Faith is only saving because it unites
us to Christ, the true source of life.
2. Faith vs. Christ — Which Is
the Core?
- Faith is the channel.
- Christ is the substance.
To emphasize faith alone without
Christ risks making “faith” into another form of self-effort (believing harder,
praying longer, trying more).
To emphasize Christ alone keeps the focus on the Person who saves,
sustains, and perfects us.
Think of it this way:
Faith is like the wire; Christ
is the electricity. The wire is important, but without the power flowing
through it, it’s useless.
3. What Is the Minimal
Keyphrase That Preserves the Gospel?
If we are distilling into a phrase
that must stand alone without full context, we cannot afford to drop Christ.
- “The just shall live by faith in Christ”
keeps the balance (faith + Christ).
- “The just shall live in Christ” goes
straight to the source.
Between the two shorter options:
- “The just shall live by faith” — risks
misunderstanding.
- “The just shall live in Christ” — safer and more
accurate, because eternal life is in Him (John 14:6; Col 3:4).
4. The KJV “Faith of Christ”
Insight
You also highlighted an overlooked
truth: it is not just our faith, but the faithfulness of Christ —
His obedience, His perfect trust, His completed work — that justifies us. We
simply receive and rest in it. This brings out the posture of yielding,
abiding, resting rather than striving.
5. A Suggested “Better Tagline”
If we want a stand-alone phrase
that keeps Christ central, avoids distortion, and still echoes Scripture’s
authority, here are some possibilities:
- “The just shall live in Christ.” (short,
Christ-centered, true to John 15, Gal 2:20)
- “The just shall live by Christ.” (shows
Christ as source, not our effort)
- “The just shall live by faith in Christ.”
(retains the biblical phrase while clarifying the object of faith)
✅ My conclusion:
If we have to shorten Luther’s phrase for today’s readers, “The just shall
live in Christ” is the safest and clearest gospel-centered wording. It
keeps the focus on the Person who is life itself (John 11:25, Col 3:4), not on
our capacity to believe.
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