The righteous will live by faith
Hope and assurance are offered to all who believe in Jesus Christ.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, just as it is written: The righteous will live by faith.
Romans 1:17
Romans 1:17 is a cornerstone of the Apostle Paul's argument in the book of Romans, emphasizing the theme of righteousness and faith.
“Righteousness of God” refers to God's own perfect righteousness and the righteousness He imparts to those who believe in Jesus Christ. It is a righteousness that comes from God and is given to humanity as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ.
“Revealed from faith to faith” suggests that the revelation of God's righteousness begins and ends with faith. It is accessible to everyone who believes, starting from the very first step of faith and continuing through a life lived in faith. The idea is that faith is both the starting point and the sustaining power for living in the righteousness that comes from God.
“The righteous will live by faith” is a quote is taken from Habakkuk 2:4 and is a key theological statement that Paul reiterates in his writings (also see Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38). It underscores the principle that those declared righteous by God, through faith in Jesus Christ, will find their true life—a life characterized by faith, sustained by faith, and expressive of faith in God.
Today’s verse is foundational to understanding the gospel message Paul presents in Romans. It asserts that salvation and a right standing before God are granted on the basis of faith, not by human efforts or adherence to the law. Romans 1:17 lays the groundwork for the profound theological exploration of justification by faith that Paul unfolds in the subsequent chapters of Romans, offering a message of hope and assurance to all who believe.
Prayer of the Day
Heavenly Father,
In the quiet of this moment, we draw near to You with open hearts and a longing spirit. Your Word in Romans 1:17 teaches us that "The righteous will live by faith." Lord, we seek to embody this profound truth in our daily lives, knowing that our righteousness comes from You and is sustained by our faith in Your promises.
We acknowledge our tendency to lean on our own understanding, to trust in our own abilities, and to rely on the visible and tangible. Yet, Your call is clear—to live by faith, not by sight. Help us, O God, to anchor our lives in the unseen, to trust in Your eternal promises, and to walk confidently in faith, even when the path ahead is unclear.
Grant us the courage to surrender our fears, anxieties, and doubts to You, fully trusting that You are sovereign over our lives. Strengthen our faith to believe that You will provide for our needs, guide our steps, and uphold us with Your righteous right hand.
In moments of uncertainty, remind us of Your faithfulness in the past, which assures us of Your faithfulness in the future. May our lives reflect the depth of our faith in You, showing the world Your love, grace, and truth.
Teach us to live by faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ, following His example of obedience, humility, and trust in Your will. Let our faith be active in love, serving others, and spreading the hope of the gospel to the ends of the earth.
We thank You, Father, for the gift of faith, for the righteousness that comes from You, and for the promise of life in Your presence. Lead us each day to live by faith, to the glory of Your name.
Amen.