What does "From Faith to Faith" signify?

Definition and Overall Context

“From faith to faith” appears prominently in Romans 1:17, where it reads: “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed by faith for faith, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” The phrase in Greek, “ἐκ πίστεως εἰς πίστιν” (ek pisteōs eis pistin), conveys a movement, progression, or transmission of faith. It indicates that the entire journey—beginning, middle, and consummation—rests on faith. This concept stands at the heart of the believer’s relationship with God, tying together what God promised in the Old Testament and what He has fulfilled in Christ.

The following sections explore what “From Faith to Faith” signifies by examining the Old Testament origins, the New Testament interpretation, and how it applies to both individual growth and the broader community of believers.

Old Testament Roots and Prophetic Foreshadowing

One of the earliest background texts is Habakkuk 2:4, which states, “Behold the proud soul. His soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by his faith”. Ancient Hebrew manuscripts, confirmed by the Dead Sea Scrolls, testify to the authenticity of this verse. These scrolls, discovered in the mid-20th century at Qumran, contain portions of Habakkuk that align with the wording we have preserved in our modern Bibles.

This prophecy carries the seed of a principle that undergirds all Scripture: true life and righteousness come only through faith in God. Habakkuk contrasts the proud with the righteous, hinting that reliance on one’s own power leads to downfall, whereas humble trust in God leads to life. The New Testament authors—particularly Paul—bring this principle to its culmination in Christ.

Pauline Explanation in Romans 1:17

In Romans, Paul echoes Habakkuk’s idea and extends it. He emphasizes that humanity can never reach God’s standard by mere human effort. Rather, those who are “righteous” are so by faith: “The righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17). The phrase “by faith for faith” or “from faith to faith” highlights the all-encompassing nature of faith in the believer’s relationship with God.

• Faith as the Source of Righteousness: Paul teaches that righteousness is not achieved through works but granted by God, as seen also in Romans 3:22: “And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.”

• Faith as a Continuous Journey: “From Faith to Faith” encompasses both the initial moment of a person’s turn to Christ and each subsequent step of faith that develops spiritual maturity. It is not only the door to salvation but also the path along which believers walk daily.

Continuity of Faith from Old Covenant to New Covenant

“From Faith to Faith” underscores that both Old and New Testament saints stand on the same foundation: trusting the one true God who saves.

• Abraham’s Example: Genesis 15:6 says, “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Paul later points to Abraham as the forerunner of faith, establishing that God justified him long before the giving of the Mosaic Law (Romans 4:1–3).

• Fulfillment in Christ: The New Covenant introduces Jesus as God incarnate, the perfect sacrifice who secures atonement for believers. Hebrews 7:22 refers to Jesus as “the guarantee of a better covenant.” Thus, the believer moves “from faith” as illustrated by the patriarchs in the Old Testament “to faith” in Jesus, who fulfills every promise.

Spiritual Growth and Progression

“From Faith to Faith” can also be seen as a call to deeper, ongoing maturity in the Christian life.

• Ongoing Sanctification: Colossians 2:6–7 exhorts, “Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith….” Receiving Christ is only the first step; the believer must continue growing in grace.

• Transformation and Renewal: As faith increases, believers experience transformation in character and behavior (Romans 12:2). By standing on the promises of God, one is continually strengthened, embodying a faith that not only starts strong but remains steadfast.

Communal and Generational Dimensions

Beyond individual growth, “From Faith to Faith” also suggests how faith is transmitted within the community of believers.

• Passing Faith Along: 2 Timothy 2:2 shows the principle of teaching others: “And the things you have heard me say among many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.” Faith is never merely personal but meant to be shared and multiplied.

• Edification Within the Church: The church collectively upholds each other in faith through worship, preaching, fellowship, and the sacraments. Ephesians 4:12–13 emphasizes the goal of building up the body of Christ “until we all reach unity in the faith.”

Archaeological and Manuscript Support

The phrase “From Faith to Faith” and its context in Romans have a strong basis in ancient manuscripts. Early papyri like P46 (dated around AD 175–225) contain extensive portions of Paul’s epistles, aligning with the text we have today. Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus—4th-century complete Bibles—also reflect the consistency of Romans 1:17.

These manuscripts underscore the reliability of Paul’s teaching as it has been passed down consistently. Discoveries such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, which authenticate Old Testament writings like Habakkuk, bolster confidence that “From Faith to Faith” rests on a textual tradition carefully preserved over centuries.

Practical Application and Living “From Faith to Faith”

• Personal Reliance on God: Knowing that righteousness comes from God’s grace alone shapes a believer’s posture in prayer, worship, and daily decisions. It cultivates humility and gratitude.

• Bold Witness: Recognizing that faith is not static but is continually growing encourages believers to share with non-believers, trusting that God can bring them into this same life-giving faith.

• Perseverance and Hope: When faith is tested by trials, believers remember Romans 5:3–4: “We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” This process strengthens and refines faith, step by step.

Conclusion

“From Faith to Faith” signifies the entire scope of a believer’s relationship with God: it is initiated in trust, nurtured by ongoing reliance on Him, and bears fruit in further acts of faithful obedience. This principle unifies both the Old and New Testament perspectives, showing that salvation has always depended on listening to and believing God.

Through investigation of ancient manuscripts, correlation with Old Testament prophecy, and clear teaching in the New Testament, “From Faith to Faith” stands as a timeless cornerstone of Christian doctrine. It speaks to the abiding truth that it is not by human effort but by faith—start to finish—that one enters and continues in right relationship with God.