#1 - From Faith to Faith - Unpacking the Heart of Romans 1:17

 In a world full of uncertainty, where do you find an unshakable foundation? In the inaugural episode of Navigate The Way, your AI hosts, Gabe Langston and Dave Brooks, delve into the profound simplicity of Romans 1:17.

Join them as they unpack the phrase "from faith to faith," revealing how this foundational truth has influenced Christian thought for centuries. Whether you're a seasoned believer or just beginning your journey with Christ, this episode will challenge and inspire you to view faith not merely as a starting point, but as the sustaining force that carries you through every season of life.

What does it truly mean to live by faith? And how does this timeless principle apply in today's world? Don't miss this deep exploration of Scripture, where ancient truths are brought to life in a fresh and compelling way.

This show is named after Navigate The Way ✝️, a Christian AI assistant for navigating the depths of Scripture and theology with clarity and conviction. To check out the tool, visit https://www.navtheway.com/.

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Transcript

### Gabe Langston: 
G'day listeners, and welcome to the very first episode of "Navigate The Way." I'm Gabe Langston, and I’m thrilled you’ve chosen to embark on this journey with us as we dive deep into the heart of Scripture. As always, we’re here to uncover the profound truths that shape our faith, exploring them with clarity and conviction. Before we get started, don't forget to like and subscribe to our podcast so you won’t miss any of our future episodes.

Now, today’s topic is as rich as it is pivotal: Romans 1:17, where Paul writes, "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: 'But the righteous one will live by faith.'" This passage has been the cornerstone of theological thought, particularly with its famous phrase "from faith to faith." But what does this phrase really mean? How does it fit within the broader context of Paul's letter to the Romans, and what implications does it have for our understanding of righteousness and faith? Let’s take a closer look.

### Dave Brooks:
Let me introduce myself as well. I’m Dave Brooks, and it’s a privilege to journey through Scripture with you. Romans 1:17, indeed, Gabe, has been a bedrock of Christian doctrine for centuries. To truly grasp its significance, let’s begin by examining the immediate literary and grammatical context of this verse. It’s important to recognize that this verse is part of Paul’s broader argument in the opening chapter of Romans. Just prior to verse 17, Paul expresses his eagerness to preach the gospel in Rome, affirming that the gospel is "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (Romans chapter 1 verse 16). Verse 17 then provides the theological underpinning for this claim by stating that "in it"—that is, in the gospel—the righteousness of God is revealed.

But, "from faith to faith"—that’s the phrase that has sparked much debate. Grammatically, the phrase is somewhat enigmatic. The preposition "from" (ἐκ in Greek) typically denotes origin, while "to" (εἰς in Greek) indicates direction or purpose. So, how do we understand this? This phrase signifies the progression of faith, emphasizing continuity from start to finish. What are your thoughts on this, Gabe?

### Gabe Langston:
A great question, Dave. When we unpack the Greek here, "from faith to faith" (ἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν) can indeed be puzzling at first glance. Paul is emphasizing the comprehensive nature of faith in the Christian life—faith as the beginning, the sustaining power, and the end goal of our journey. It’s faith all the way through, so to speak.

But we can’t stop at just a grammatical analysis. We must also consider the historical and cultural context in which Paul was writing. The Jewish understanding of righteousness at the time was often associated with adherence to the Law. However, Paul here shifts the focus from a works-based righteousness to a righteousness that is entirely faith-based. This was a radical departure from the prevailing Jewish thought, and it’s no wonder Paul uses such a striking phrase to underscore this shift. How does this concept of righteousness "from faith to faith" resonate with Paul’s broader message in Romans, Dave?

### Dave Brooks:
When we view this phrase within the broader canonical context, especially in the entire letter to the Romans, it becomes clear that Paul is laying the foundation for his theological exposition on justification by faith. Throughout Romans, Paul elaborates on the idea that righteousness is not something we achieve through our own efforts but is a gift of God, imputed to us through faith in Christ. This idea of righteousness "from faith to faith" is consistent with Paul's emphasis on the continuity and sufficiency of faith throughout the believer's life.

Paul's citation of Habakkuk 2:4, "But the righteous one will live by faith," serves as a linchpin here. It connects the righteousness revealed in the gospel with the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament, demonstrating that this principle of living by faith is not a New Testament innovation but has deep roots in the Hebrew Scriptures. But what do you think, Gabe? Does this intertextuality deepen our understanding of Paul's argument?

### Gabe Langston:
Absolutely, Dave. The intertextual connection with Habakkuk is profound and cannot be overstated. In Habakkuk’s context, "the righteous will live by his faith" was a message of hope in the midst of impending judgment—a call to trust in God’s faithfulness despite external circumstances. Paul, by quoting Habakkuk, is drawing a parallel between the prophet’s time and the present age of the gospel. Just as the people of Israel were called to live by faith during a period of national turmoil, so too are believers called to live by faith in the face of a world still marred by sin and awaiting full redemption.

Moreover, when we consider the Christocentric perspective, "from faith to faith" takes on an even deeper significance. Christ is both the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Our faith originates in Him and is completed in Him. This progression from faith to faith should be seen as a reflection of our spiritual journey—a journey that starts with faith in Christ’s finished work and continues as we are sanctified, becoming more like Him. In this light, the phrase encapsulates the entire Christian life, from initial belief to ultimate glorification. What’s your take on how this concept fits within the redemptive-historical framework, Dave?

### Dave Brooks:
Within a redemptive-historical framework, "from faith to faith" aligns perfectly with the unfolding of God’s plan of salvation throughout history. The phrase underscores the continuity of God’s redemptive work, from the faith of the Old Testament saints who looked forward to the coming Messiah, to the faith of New Testament believers who look back to Christ’s finished work on the cross and forward to His return.

This progression from faith to faith is not just individual but corporate—spanning across the epochs of redemptive history. From the proto-evangelium in Genesis 3:15 to the Abrahamic covenant, through the Mosaic Law, and finally culminating in the New Covenant, the righteousness of God has always been revealed through faith. This revelation finds its fullest expression in the gospel, where the righteousness of God is made manifest in Christ and appropriated by faith.

It’s fascinating how this concept of righteousness being revealed from faith to faith ties into the theological context, especially within the creedal and confessional tradition. The doctrine of justification by faith alone, as articulated in the Reformation confessions, is a direct outgrowth of Paul’s teaching here. How do you see this playing out in the history of the church, Gabe?

### Gabe Langston:
The history of the church provides a vivid backdrop to the development and defense of this doctrine. The phrase "from faith to faith" became a rallying cry during the Reformation, particularly for figures like Martin Luther. For Luther, Romans 1:17 was a pivotal text—one that led him to understand that righteousness is a gift from God, received by faith alone, apart from works. This realization became the cornerstone of the Reformation, shaping Protestant theology and sparking a renewal in the church’s understanding of the gospel.

The creeds and confessions that followed, such as the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Heidelberg Catechism, codified this doctrine, emphasizing that faith is the sole means by which we are justified. These confessions draw directly from Paul’s teaching in Romans, affirming that our righteousness before God is not based on our merit but solely on the merit of Christ, imputed to us by faith. "From faith to faith" encapsulates this truth, reminding us that our standing before God is entirely dependent on faith from beginning to end.

This historical context not only enriches our understanding of the doctrine but also challenges us to uphold the purity of the gospel in our own time. In what ways do you think this doctrine speaks to the church today, Dave?

### Dave Brooks:
The doctrine of justification by faith alone remains as relevant today as it was during the Reformation. In a culture that often values self-sufficiency and personal achievement, the gospel’s message that righteousness comes "from faith to faith" stands in stark contrast. It reminds the church that our acceptance before God is not something we can earn, but something that is graciously given.

This doctrine is vital for pastoral care. When individuals struggle with assurance of salvation, understanding that their righteousness is entirely based on faith in Christ can bring tremendous comfort. It liberates believers from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor and frees them to live out their faith in gratitude for what Christ has done.

Moreover, this message has a powerful apologetic value in today’s world. It challenges the notion that all religions are paths to God by asserting that true righteousness comes only through faith in Christ. This exclusive claim can be difficult to accept in a pluralistic society, but it is central to the gospel. How do you see this doctrine influencing spiritual formation and the life of the believer, Gabe?

### Gabe Langston:
The influence of this doctrine on spiritual formation is profound. When believers understand that their righteousness is "from faith to faith," it fosters a deep reliance on Christ, which is essential for spiritual growth. This reliance leads to humility, as we recognize that all we have, including our standing before God, is a gift from Him. It also cultivates a heart of gratitude and worship, as we live in the awareness that our salvation is entirely by God’s grace through faith.

Furthermore, this understanding shapes the believer’s approach to sanctification. Rather than striving in our own strength to grow in holiness, we rely on the Holy Spirit, who works in us as we continue to place our faith in Christ. This ongoing faith is the means by which we are sanctified, just as it was the means by which we were justified. It’s a daily walk of faith, trusting in Christ for the strength to obey and to grow in grace.

This perspective also guards against legalism, which is the danger of turning the Christian life into a checklist of do’s and don’ts. When we understand that our righteousness comes "from faith to faith," we are freed from the bondage of legalism and motivated by love for Christ to pursue holiness. This has enormous implications for the believer’s daily life and for the church’s ministry. What are your thoughts on the practical application of this doctrine, Dave?

### Dave Brooks:
The practical application of this doctrine is indeed far-reaching. Understanding that righteousness is "from faith to faith" calls us to live lives that are marked by continual trust in God. This trust manifests in every aspect of our lives—how we make decisions, how we respond to trials, and how we interact with others.

In the realm of discipleship, this doctrine encourages us to disciple others not by giving them a list of rules to follow, but by pointing them to Christ and teaching them to live by faith. It reminds us that true spiritual growth happens as we deepen our faith in Christ, not as we try harder in our own strength.

In terms of evangelism, this doctrine also shapes our message. We proclaim a gospel that is all about faith—faith in the finished work of Christ. It’s not about what we can do for God, but about what He has done for us. This message is powerful because it speaks to the deepest needs of the human heart—the need for acceptance, the need for purpose, and the need for hope.

As we bring this episode to a close, Gabe, I’m reminded that this doctrine truly encapsulates the essence of the Christian life. Any final thoughts?

### Gabe Langston:
It’s been a rich conversation, Dave. As we reflect on Romans 1:17 and the phrase "from faith to faith," we’re reminded that the gospel is not just the starting point of the Christian life—it’s the entire journey. Every step we take is a step of faith, trusting in the righteousness of God revealed in Christ.

I want to encourage our listeners to meditate on this truth and allow it to shape their walk with Christ. Remember, our righteousness before God is not something we achieve; it’s something we receive by faith, from the first day we believe until the day we see Christ face to face.

And with that, I’d like to remind our listeners to like and subscribe so you won’t miss any future episodes. This show is named after Navigate The Way ✝️, a Christian AI assistant for navigating the depths of Scripture and theology with clarity and conviction. The personas for both Dave and I, as well as the content of this episode, were all AI-generated using Navigate The Way ✝️. A special thanks to ElevenLabs for our AI-generated voices.

Thank you for joining us today, and until next time, keep walking by faith.