What does the phrase 'from faith to faith' mean in the Bible?

The phrase "from faith to faith" is a profound and intriguing expression found in the Bible, specifically in Paul's letter to the Romans. In Romans 1:17, Paul writes, "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'" This phrase has sparked much theological reflection and discussion over the centuries. To understand its meaning fully, we need to delve into the context of the letter, the broader biblical narrative, and the nuances of Paul's theology.

Paul's letter to the Romans is one of the most theologically rich books in the New Testament. It addresses fundamental questions about sin, salvation, grace, and faith. In Romans 1:16-17, Paul is laying out the thesis for his entire letter: the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, revealing the righteousness of God. The phrase "from faith to faith" is central to this thesis, encapsulating the dynamic and progressive nature of faith in the life of a believer.

The expression "from faith to faith" can be understood in several complementary ways, each shedding light on different aspects of the Christian journey.

First, "from faith to faith" can be interpreted as the progression and growth of faith in the life of an individual believer. Faith is not a static possession but a dynamic and living reality. When a person first comes to faith in Christ, it is the beginning of a lifelong journey. This journey involves deepening trust, increasing understanding, and growing obedience. As believers, we move from an initial faith, which brings us into a relationship with God, to a mature faith that sustains us through life's trials and challenges. This growth is often described in terms of sanctification, the process by which we are gradually transformed into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Second, "from faith to faith" can also be seen as the transmission of faith from one believer to another, and from one generation to the next. The gospel is a message that is meant to be shared. As we live out our faith and bear witness to the transforming power of the gospel, we inspire and encourage others to come to faith. This communal and generational aspect of faith is a vital part of the Christian mission. Paul himself exemplified this as he traveled extensively, preaching the gospel and establishing churches, passing on the faith to countless individuals who, in turn, shared it with others (2 Timothy 2:2).

Third, "from faith to faith" highlights the continuity and consistency of faith throughout the entirety of the Christian life. It signifies that faith is the beginning, the middle, and the end of the believer's journey. We are saved by faith, we live by faith, and we are sustained by faith until we meet the Lord face to face. This understanding emphasizes the sufficiency of faith in Christ for all aspects of our spiritual life. As the writer of Hebrews puts it, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Hebrews 13:8), and our faith in Him remains the constant foundation upon which we build our lives.

Furthermore, "from faith to faith" underscores the idea that faith itself is a gift from God, and it is through His grace that we are able to believe and continue believing. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." This divine enablement means that our faith is sustained by God's faithfulness. As we trust in Him, He empowers us to grow in faith, and this growth is a testimony to His ongoing work in our lives.

The phrase also resonates with the Old Testament understanding of faith and righteousness. When Paul quotes, "The just shall live by faith," he is referencing Habakkuk 2:4. In its original context, this verse was a declaration of trust in God's promises despite the circumstances. Habakkuk was living in a time of national turmoil and impending judgment, yet he affirmed that the righteous person would live by their faithfulness to God. Paul uses this Old Testament principle to reinforce the idea that righteousness and life come through faith, not by works of the law.

In addition to these interpretations, "from faith to faith" can be seen as a description of the comprehensive nature of the gospel's impact. The gospel reveals God's righteousness in a manner that both initiates faith and calls forth deeper faith. It is a revelation that demands a response of faith at every stage of the believer's life. This ongoing response is marked by trust, obedience, and a growing understanding of God's character and purposes.

Theologically, "from faith to faith" encapsulates the essence of the Reformation principle of sola fide, which asserts that faith alone is the means by which we receive God's grace and are justified. Martin Luther, who was instrumental in the Reformation, found great comfort and liberation in this truth. He realized that it is not our efforts or merits that make us righteous before God, but our faith in the finished work of Christ. This understanding transformed his life and ministry, and it continues to be a cornerstone of Protestant theology.

In practical terms, living "from faith to faith" means that we are continually called to trust God in new and deeper ways. It means that our faith is tested and strengthened through the experiences and challenges of life. James 1:2-4 encourages us to "count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." Our faith journey is marked by moments of trial and triumph, each one an opportunity to grow in our reliance on God.

Moreover, "from faith to faith" invites us to live with a forward-looking perspective. It reminds us that our ultimate hope and confidence lie in God's promises and His future fulfillment of those promises. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "faith chapter," recounts the stories of many who lived by faith, looking forward to what God had promised, even though they did not see it fulfilled in their lifetime. This forward-looking faith encourages us to persevere, knowing that our present struggles are part of a larger, divine narrative that culminates in God's eternal kingdom.

In summary, the phrase "from faith to faith" in Romans 1:17 is a rich and multifaceted expression that captures the dynamic, progressive, and comprehensive nature of the Christian faith. It speaks to the individual growth of faith, the communal and generational transmission of faith, the continuity of faith throughout the believer's life, and the divine enablement that sustains our faith. It calls us to live with a forward-looking perspective, trusting in God's promises and His faithfulness. Ultimately, it reminds us that the just shall live by faith, and in doing so, we reveal the righteousness of God to a watching world.