Brief Answer

In Romans 1:17, the phrase “from faith to faith” refers to the progression and continuity of faith in the life of a believer. It emphasizes that righteousness comes from faith alone and grows deeper as one continues to live by faith. The phrase points to the entirety of the Christian journey—beginning, sustained, and completed by faith.

Understanding “From Faith to Faith” from a Biblical Perspective

Paul writes in Romans 1:17, “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.'” This verse underscores that the Christian life begins with faith and is sustained by faith.

Biblically, this reflects the truth that salvation is entirely God’s work and cannot be earned through human effort (Ephesians 2:8-9). Instead, from the moment we first believe until our faith is perfected in Christ, faith remains the foundation of our righteousness.

Historical Context

Paul wrote the book of Romans to a diverse audience in the early Christian church in Rome. Some were Jewish Christians familiar with the Old Testament law, while others were Gentiles new to the faith.

When Paul quoted, “The righteous will live by faith,” he was referencing Habakkuk 2:4. In Habakkuk’s time, the prophet was encouraging God’s people to remain faithful despite trials and injustice. Paul’s use of this verse connected the Old Testament understanding of faithfulness to the New Covenant message: righteousness comes through trusting in God’s promises, fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

For early believers facing persecution and spiritual challenges, Paul’s message reaffirmed that their standing before God depended on faith alone.

Practical Implications

Understanding “from faith to faith” shapes how believers approach their daily walk with God:

• Salvation and sanctification: Faith is not only necessary for salvation but also for spiritual growth. Trusting God in every season strengthens our reliance on Him.
• Facing trials: Just as faith initiated our walk with God, it is the same faith that carries us through trials and uncertainties (James 1:2-4).
• Daily surrender: Faith compels us to surrender our plans and desires to God, trusting Him to guide each step (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Theological Depth and Insight

The phrase “from faith to faith” reveals the progressive nature of faith:

• Initial faith: When we first place our faith in Christ, we are justified (declared righteous) before God (Romans 5:1).
• Growing faith: As we walk with Christ, our faith deepens through the Holy Spirit’s work, producing spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).
• Persevering faith: Faith sustains us until the day we are glorified in Christ’s presence (Philippians 1:6).

This progression demonstrates that God’s righteousness is continually revealed to believers, not through human effort but through ongoing faith.

Broader Biblical Themes

The concept of “from faith to faith” echoes broader biblical themes:

• Faith as a gift from God: Ephesians 2:8 reminds us that even our faith is a gift from God, not something we can achieve.
• Faith leading to obedience: In Hebrews 11, the heroes of the faith demonstrated trust in God that led to obedience. Abraham’s journey is a prime example—his faith grew as he trusted God’s promises (Genesis 15:6).
• The just living by faith: Habakkuk’s declaration and Paul’s reiteration show that God’s people are called to trust Him fully, not just once but continually.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in sustaining faith from beginning to end:

• Conviction and regeneration: The Spirit convicts us of sin and leads us to place our initial faith in Christ (John 16:8-9).
• Empowerment for growth: The Spirit enables believers to grow in their faith and resist sin (Galatians 5:16).
• Perseverance: The Spirit seals us for the day of redemption, ensuring that our faith endures (Ephesians 1:13-14).

Relevance for Today’s Christian

In today’s world, it can be tempting to place our trust in our accomplishments, circumstances, or personal strength. However, Paul’s reminder in Romans 1:17 calls us to:

• Reaffirm our dependence on God: No matter how spiritually mature we become, faith remains the foundation of our relationship with God.
• Trust God in uncertainty: Just as Habakkuk encouraged the Israelites, we are called to live by faith even in seasons of uncertainty or suffering.
• Remember that faith is active: Faith involves not just belief but action. True faith shapes how we respond to challenges, blessings, and everything in between.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

The phrase “from faith to faith” points directly to the sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Our faith is rooted in His finished work on the cross (John 19:30) and His resurrection (Romans 4:25). God’s love for us is demonstrated in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). This unfailing love sustains and deepens our faith.

Jesus, the “author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2), walks with us as our faith grows from one stage to the next, molding us more into His likeness.

Bible Characters Who Exemplified Growing Faith

• Abraham: His faith journey began when he believed God’s promise and was credited with righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Yet his faith continued to grow as he obeyed God’s call to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22).
• David: Though anointed as king while young, David’s faith was tested and strengthened as he waited for God’s timing and protection during years of fleeing Saul (1 Samuel 24).
• Paul: The very author of Romans, Paul’s faith grew as he endured persecution, imprisonment, and suffering for the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does your faith today compare to when you first believed? In what ways has it grown deeper?
2. What trials or blessings have helped you grow “from faith to faith”?
3. How can you encourage others in their faith journey, especially those facing doubts or hardships?
4. In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength rather than faith in God?

Understanding that righteousness comes “from faith to faith” reminds us that our spiritual life depends entirely on God’s grace. As we trust Him more fully, we experience His faithfulness and grow in our walk with Him. This journey of faith deepens our love for Christ and equips us to live as faithful witnesses of His grace.