Romans 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
Verse 17 presents the core of Romans: righteousness from God is revealed “from faith to faith,” culminating in the life of faith. This phrase likely indicates revelation that leads to ongoing faith—from start to finish, life after life, generation after generation. The verse quotes Habakkuk 2:4, “The just shall live by faith,” tying New Testament salvation to Old Testament trust in God. God’s righteousness is not achieved by human merit but disclosed in the gospel, where faith in Christ becomes the means by which one is declared righteous. The idea of “from faith to faith” emphasizes a dynamic, ongoing relationship with God, not a one-time moment. The verse sits at the heart of Romans’ argument: the righteousness God provides for believers is received by faith, not earned by law-keeping.
Key themes: justification by faith, the continuity of God’s saving plan, and the centrality of faith as biblical righteousness. The quote from Habakkuk anchors continuity between Testaments and shows that trust in God has always been the instrument of righteousness. The concept “the just shall live by faith” reframes life as a response to God’s gift, not a struggle to earn it. This verse also lays groundwork for the universal applicability of salvation—faith in Christ is the hinge for everyone, Jew and Gentile alike.
Live in a posture of faith. Rather than trying to “earn” God’s approval through good works, trust daily in Christ’s finished work. Practical implications: begin and end each day with faith-deepening practices—prayer, Scripture, and acts of trust in God’s promises. In times of doubt, reread Romans 1:17 and Habakkuk 2:4 as reminders that righteousness comes by trust, not achievement. Encourage relationships and communities built on faith, not mere rule-keeping.
Cross-References: Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 3:11; Romans 3:22-24; Romans 4:3; Romans 5:1