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Faith to Faith
Theme: Revealing God's righteousness through the gospel.
Romans 1:17

Introduction:

A.      One of the more obscure yet profoundly fundamental statements in the Bible is found in Rom. 1:17.

1.      The phrase “from faith to faith” has been interpreted in various ways.

2.      What is sure is that the gospel reveals God’s righteousness.

3.      What is also sure is that man’s righteousness only results because of the righteousness of God.

B.     It is proposed that the gospel is the link between God’s righteousness and man’s.

1.      We may never come to a consensus as to the meaning of the phrase …

2.      But, knowing God’s righteousness as revealed in Christ through the gospel is effectually powerful to all who believe!

Discussion:

I.         The Text

A.      From faith to faith: Possible Meanings

1.      From one person’s faith to another who believes.

2.      Faith is at the beginning of the salvation process, and it is the goal as well.

3.      From the faith of the OT to the faith of the NT.

4.      From the gospel’s revelation (Rom. 10:17) to the manifestation of faith by those who believe in Christ Jesus.

B.     We may never know the exact meaning of this phrase, even in light of the surrounding text.

C.     So, what benefit is there for us?

1.      To magnify our awareness of God’s righteousness as manifested through Jesus Christ.

2.      That our awareness would convict our hearts to glory in God’s righteousness and place our confidence in Jesus as we live out our lives.

II.       Revealed Through Jesus

A.      God’s righteousness.

1.      God is holy (for so many reasons) but ultimately because He is without sin, whereas man is full of sin.

2.      Sinful man can do nothing within his own might to have fellowship with a holy (sinless) God.

3.      God’s righteousness demands that man be made holy if fellowship is to exist between Him and man.

B.     Jesus is the manifestation of God’s righteousness.

1.      As man He was the visible expression of God. Jn. 1:1, 14; Heb. 1:3

2.      He taught man and lived according to God’s righteousness. Matt. 5:48; Heb. 4:14-15

3.      Through Jesus, we can stand before our holy and righteous God. Rom. 5:2

C.     The gospel reveals God’s righteousness.

1.      All that we know about God comes from Him. Heb. 1:1-3; Matt. 28:18-20

2.      It is through this message we can know God’s righteousness. Rom. 3:21-26

3.      It is through this message that its effective power convicts the hearts seeking His salvation. Rom. 1:17

Conclusion:

A.      While the phrase “from faith to faith” may still seem obscure, there is no denying when God’s righteousness is revealed to believers it – through the gospel – has the power to transforms lives.

B.      May God’s righteousness bring salvation to come to have faith in Him through His Son Jesus Christ.

 


Glory to God in the church by Christ Jesus
Franklin Church of Christ