Romans 1:17
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "from faith to faith" doesn't just mean faith grows stronger; it signifies that the righteousness revealed in the gospel originates from faith and is meant to produce faith, emphasizing faith as both the source and the goal of this divine revelation. This subtle distinction highlights the active, dynamic nature of God's righteousness in action, not merely an abstract concept but a transforming reality.
Paul has just declared that he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation. He explains that this power is revealed through God's righteousness, which is received by faith. This foundational truth of the gospel, that salvation is found through faith, is then powerfully supported by a quote from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk.
What does 'the righteousness of God' really mean? Is it an attribute God possesses, or something He gives?
The phrase 'righteousness of God' in this verse isn't just about God's perfect character. While He is inherently righteous, Paul is talking about a 'righteousness' that comes from God and is revealed through the gospel.
A Righteousness Bestowed
Think of it as God's solution to our sin. Because we can't achieve perfect righteousness on our own, God provides a way for us to be declared righteous in His sight. This isn't about us cleaning up our act; it's about God imputing Christ's perfect righteousness to us. It's a gift, not an achievement.
The Gospel's Core Message
This 'righteousness of God' is the central theme of the gospel. It's the power that saves because it reconciles us to a holy God, not by changing who we are immediately, but by changing our standing before Him through faith in Jesus.
The verse mentions 'from faith to faith.' What does this progression signify for our spiritual journey?
The phrase 'from faith to faith' is a beautiful, dynamic picture of how God's righteousness works in our lives through faith.
Faith as the Starting Point
'From faith' points to faith as the initial step. It's the door through which we receive this righteousness of God. When we believe the gospel, we are credited with righteousness. This isn't a minor aspect; it's the entry point.
Faith as the Ongoing Journey
'To faith' signifies the continuation and deepening of this relationship. It's not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of growing trust and reliance on God. As we experience more of God's grace and faithfulness, our faith is strengthened, leading to a more profound and active trust. It’s faith growing, deepening, and becoming more robust.
Understand the original words
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
God's standard of holiness and moral perfection, or His act of justifying those who believe. It describes both God’s intrinsic character and His judicial declaration that a person is righteous.
This is the direct Old Testament quote Paul uses, establishing the foundational principle that righteousness and life are found through faith.
Galatians 3:11Paul reiterates this core truth, directly connecting the Old Testament concept of living by faith to God's justifying righteousness revealed in the gospel.
Hebrews 10:38This passage also quotes Habakkuk 2:4, emphasizing that faith is essential for endurance and perseverance in the Christian life, echoing the 'living by faith' theme.
Genesis 15:6This foundational narrative shows God crediting Abraham's belief as righteousness, demonstrating that the concept of 'living by faith' has deep roots in salvation history.
henryRomans 1:16-17: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
1:16,17 In these verses the apostle opens the design of the whole epistle, in which he brings forward a charge of sinfulness against all flesh; declares the only method of deliverance from condemnation, by faith in the mercy of God, through Jesus Christ; and then builds upon it purity of heart, grateful obedience, and ear…
meyerRomans 1:17: "For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
Romans 1:17 illustrates and gives a reason for the foregoing affirmation: δύναμις Θεοῦ ἐστιν εἰς σωτ . π . τ . πιστ ., which could not be the case, unless δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ κ . τ . λ [400] δικαιοσύνη Θεοῦ ] That this does not denote, as in Romans 3:5 , an attribute of God,[401] is plain from the passage cited in proof from Habakkuk 2:4 , where, by necessity of the c…
The phrase "from faith to faith" doesn't just mean faith grows stronger; it signifies that the righteousness revealed in the gospel originates from faith and is meant to produce faith, emphasizing faith as both the source and the goal of this divine revelation. This subtle distinction highlights the active, dynamic nature of God's righteousness in action, not merely an abstract concept but a transforming reality.
Paul has just declared that he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation. He explains that this power is revealed through God's righteousness, which is received by faith. This foundational truth of the gospel, that salvation is found through faith, is then powerfully supported by a quote from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk.
Paul has just declared that he is not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for salvation. He explains that this power is revealed through God's righteousness, which is received by faith. This foundational truth of the gospel, that salvation is found through faith, is then powerfully supported by a quote from the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk.
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The Righteousness that Fuels Faith
This continuous cycle is powered by the revealed righteousness of God. Knowing that God has made us righteous empowers us to trust Him more fully, which in turn leads to a stronger, more mature faith.
The verse culminates in a quote from Habakkuk: 'The righteous shall live by faith.' Why is this Old Testament phrase so crucial here?
This ancient declaration from the prophet Habakkuk isn't just a random quote; it's the Old Testament's stamp of approval on the gospel's core message.
An Echo of God's Plan
Paul uses this verse to show that the idea of living by faith isn't new. It was prophesied long before Jesus came. It confirms that God's plan for humanity's relationship with Him has always centered on trust, not just adherence to rules.
Life Through Trust, Not Works
'The righteous shall live by faith' means that true righteousness, the kind that leads to life with God, is found in trusting Him. It’s a radical statement against any notion that we can earn God's favor through our own efforts. Our life and standing with God are rooted in our faithful reliance on Him.
A Promise of Enduring Life
The word 'live' here doesn't just mean survival; it speaks of a full, abundant, and eternal life found in relationship with God. This life is secured not by our merit, but by faith in God's provision – the righteousness revealed in the gospel.
"For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”" — The phrase "from faith to faith" doesn't just mean faith grows stronger; it signifies that the righteousness revealed in the gospel originates from faith and is meant to produce faith, emphasizing fa…
