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 stands at the heart of Paul’s epistle, explaining why the Gospel is “the power of God unto salvation” (v.16). In the Gospel, “the righteousness of God” is revealed. Gospel not only proclaims God’s perfect justice by which He judges sin, but also the righteous standing that He graciously provides through Jesus Christ to all who believe. Sinners cannot attain righteousness by their own works, for “there is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Therefore, God justifies the ungodly by imputing to them the righteousness of Christ, received through faith alone.

Paul says here that this righteousness is revealed “from faith to faith”, emphasising that the whole work of salvation, from beginning to end, is by faith. It is never earned by human merit, religious ceremonies, or moral achievement. To confirm this truth, Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4: “The just shall live by faith.” In its original context, Habakkuk encouraged God’s people to trust Him while awaiting His righteous intervention. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, applies that principle to the Gospel: those whom God declares righteous continue to live by trusting Him.

This verse became a cornerstone of the Reformation, reminding the church that justification is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. It also teaches that faith is not merely the entrance into the Christian life but the manner in which believers daily walk with God. Therefore, let us rest confidently in Christ’s perfect righteousness, reject all confidence in ourselves, and persevere each day by faith, knowing that “the just shall live by faith”.