A Call to Live by Faith

Romans 1:16–17 stands like a mighty pillar at the entrance to the book of Romans, and through it, the Apostle Paul gives us a glimpse of the great themes he will unfold in the chapters to come. Speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul declares with unwavering conviction, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, and then to the Greek. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16–17, BSB).

Here, Paul sets before us two towering truths: the power of the Gospel for salvation and the revelation of God’s righteousness. Each is worthy of our deepest reflection.

Paul’s bold statement, “I am not ashamed of the gospel,” is striking. In his day, the Gospel message was often seen as foolishness by the intellectuals of Greece and a stumbling block to the religious Jews. Yet Paul, a former Pharisee and persecutor of the church, now speaks without a hint of hesitation. Why? Because he has experienced firsthand the transforming power of this Gospel. He knows it is not a human philosophy nor an ethical program, but rather, it is the very power of God invading human hearts and bringing dead sinners to life. As he writes to the Corinthians, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18, BSB).

The Gospel, Paul tells us, is for everyone who believes. It knows no ethnic boundaries, no national distinctions. Salvation is offered first to the Jew—God’s covenant people—and also to the Greek, encompassing all Gentiles. God’s power reaches into every heart willing to trust in Christ. This is a salvation not achieved by works, nor inherited by bloodline, but received by faith alone.

As we move to verse 17, Paul leads us deeper. He says, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith.” What does this mean? The righteousness of God refers not merely to His character, but to the gift of righteousness He grants to those who believe. It is the way God makes sinners right with Himself without compromising His own holiness. In the Gospel, God’s justice and mercy meet perfectly at the cross of Christ. As Paul would later affirm, “God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness…” (Romans 3:25, BSB).

The phrase “from faith for faith” reminds us that faith is the beginning, middle, and end of the Christian life. We are saved by faith, we live by faith, and we are kept by faith. This is no mere intellectual assent; it is a living trust in a living Savior. As Habakkuk wrote centuries before—and as Paul now echoes—the righteous shall live by faith (Habakkuk 2:4, BSB).

The world around us still scoffs at the Gospel. Many still see it as folly or weakness. Yet here stands the truth: the Gospel alone has the power to save, to justify, to sanctify, and to glorify. It lifts sinners from death to life, from wrath to peace, from despair to hope. Have you experienced this transforming power? Does your heart rest in the righteousness revealed by God through faith in Jesus Christ?

Friend, the Gospel calls not merely for admiration, but for commitment. It calls us to trust Christ wholly—not only for the forgiveness of sins but also for the newness of life He brings. How is Romans 1:16–17 speaking to you today? Are you living by faith, from beginning to end, resting in His righteousness alone?

As you ponder this, consider also these Scriptures:

2 Corinthians 5:21 – “God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.”

Galatians 2:16 – “Know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ.”

Hebrews 10:38 – “But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he shrinks back, I will take no pleasure in him.”

May the Lord strengthen your faith and deepen your understanding of His great salvation.