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” (cf. Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 3:11).
The righteousness imputed to a believer at salvation will never lead them to further sin (Rom 3:21-22). One of faith’s goals is to produce righteous living which correctly expresses the nature of holy God through Christlike character. In Ephesians 5:1-4, Paul stretches this out by writing, therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.
In Romans 1:17, Paul emphasises the permanence of faith in a genuine Christian. Faith in Jesus Christ is not a onetime act, but an ongoing way of life. The believer, who is made righteous in Christ, will live their faith in all aspects of life, for their entire life. Theologians sometimes call this “the perseverance of the saints” (cf. Col 1:22-23; Heb 3:14).
But notice Paul’s unique wording here, “from faith for faith.” Paul is explaining the result of the gospel which produced salvation from verse 16, the gospel… is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (faith). This is further seen in Romans 4:5, the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness (cf. Php 3:9). When a person believes the gospel, God’s righteousness is revealed, or another way of saying this, is that God’s righteousness is manifested, made visible in their living. This gospel manufactured righteousness came from their faith in the gospel, and it produces even more ongoing faith. Authentic faith strengthens itself and produces even more mature and more determined faith within the believer.
There is no such thing as God generated faith, which is gifted to the believer (Eph 2:8), that does not continue to believe. God gifted faith always operates for the long haul, so that deeper faith is developed over time, NOT lessened. This is why James wrote, faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:17). Genuine faith will always produce righteous works. Faith never produces sinful, worldly, or morally compromised living. Faith produces righteousness!
Understanding this provides people with a good measuring tool for evaluating if their salvation is real. It is healthy for people who call themselves “Christian” to be able to test themselves with God’s Word. Paul emphasises this in Philippians 1:10-11, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Amen.
