Understanding God’s Righteousness in Everyday Life
If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to “live by faith,” you’re not alone—these words pop up in several places in the Bible, and their meaning can feel mysterious. But when we break down Romans 1:17 and related passages, the message becomes clear and encouraging.
The Heart of Romans 1:17
Romans 1:17 says, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.'” What does this mean in plain language?
Paul, the author, is telling us that God’s way of making us right with Him doesn’t depend on how good we are or how many rules we follow. Instead, it’s all about trusting Him. “From faith to faith” means that our whole journey with God starts, continues, and ends with faith—not just at the beginning, but all throughout life.
Why Is Faith So Central?
In verses 16 and 17, Paul explains that everyone has sinned and falls short, and nobody can earn a place with God by being perfect. The only way out is by trusting in God’s mercy, shown through Jesus. This faith leads to a new heart, a desire to do good, and a love for others. But it all begins with simply believing in God’s promise.
Other Bible Verses That Say the Same
You’ll see “the just shall live by faith” popping up again in Galatians 3:11 and Hebrews 10:38. In Galatians, Paul uses Abraham’s story to show that being right with God isn’t about keeping all the rules—it’s about trusting God’s promises. Abraham became “righteous”—accepted by God—because he believed, not because he did everything perfectly.
So, why can’t we be justified (made right) by following rules? Because nobody can keep the law perfectly, and the law only shows us how far off track we are. The good news is, Jesus took the consequences for us, so now anyone who trusts Him is set free.
Hebrews 10:38 is encouragement for those going through tough times. It says that God wants us to keep trusting Him, especially when life is hard. Even if we face big struggles, faith helps us hold on and wait for the good God promises.
What Does “Living by Faith” Look Like?
Here’s the simple version: Living by faith isn’t just believing in God once and then working hard to stay on His good side. It’s trusting Him every day, through ups and downs, knowing we’re accepted because of Jesus. This trust grows as we see God at work, and it gives us hope, comfort, and motivation to love others.
· It’s not about perfection: You don’t have to be flawless, just willing to trust God.
· It’s ongoing: Faith isn’t a one-time thing—it’s from “faith to faith,” meaning it keeps going and growing.
· It leads to action: Real faith inspires kindness, gratitude, and a desire to do good, but these are results of trust, not requirements to earn favor.
· It’s for everyone: No matter who you are or what you’ve done, faith in Jesus brings you into a close relationship with God.
Why Is This Good News?
If you ever feel weighed down by mistakes or worried you’re not good enough, remember: God isn’t asking you to earn His love. He invites you to trust Him. “The just shall live by faith” means you can rest in God’s promises, knowing He’s with you every step. And when you stumble, faith gives you the courage to get up and keep going.
In short, living by faith is trusting God’s love for you, every day. That’s the beautiful message at the heart of Romans 1:17—and it’s for you.
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 