Introduction

Good morning, beloved congregation. Today, we delve into the heart of Paul's message to the Romans and, by extension, to all of us, as we explore the profound truth embedded in Romans 1:17 - the righteousness, the justification, and the salvation of faith. In this one verse, we see encapsulated the essence of our Christian journey, a journey marked by faith, righteousness, and salvation.

Romans 1:17 reads,

"For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." This verse, my dear friends, is the very foundation of our belief – our faith in the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

A.B. Simpson once said, "If we walk in righteousness He will carry us through." This quote underscores the transformative power of faith in our lives and our walk with Christ.

Let us pray.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of faith that anchors us in Your love and grace. As we delve into Your Word today, open our hearts and minds to fully comprehend the depth and breadth of the righteousness, justification, and salvation that come from faith in You. Illuminate our understanding, Lord, that we may not only be hearers of Your Word but also doers. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

The Righteousness of Faith

The righteousness of faith is a divine principle that is intricately woven into the fabric of our faith, a principle that is deeply rooted in the understanding that our righteousness is not of our own doing but is a gift from God, given to us through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the message that Paul sought to convey in Romans 1:17.

A righteousness that is revealed "from faith for faith:" This phrase, while seemingly simple, carries a profound depth of meaning. It implies a righteousness that originates from faith and is sustained by faith. It is not a righteousness that we can achieve through our own efforts or good works, but one that is imputed to us by God Himself when we place our faith in His Son. This is a transformative righteousness, one that changes us from the inside out, aligning our hearts, minds, and actions with the will of God.

A dynamic process: It is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. It is not about reaching a destination but about walking in a relationship with God, a relationship that is marked by faith, trust, and obedience. This journey of faith is not without its challenges and trials. There will be times when our faith will be tested, when we will be called to stand firm in our belief despite the circumstances around us. But it is in these moments that the righteousness of faith is most powerfully manifested.

About progress: It is not about being without fault but about being forgiven. It is not about our strength but about God's grace. It is not about what we can do for God but about what God has done for us. It is about recognizing our own sinfulness and our need for a Savior. It is about surrendering our lives to Christ and allowing Him to transform us into His likeness.

Living in a way that reflects our belief in Christ: It is about allowing our faith to shape our actions and attitudes. It is about striving to live a life that is pleasing to God, not out of a sense of obligation or fear, but out of a deep love and reverence for Him. It is about seeking to honor God in all that we do, knowing that our righteousness comes not from our own efforts but from the grace of God.

A blessing: It is not a yoke of slavery but a badge of freedom. It is not a cause for pride but a call to humility. It is not a reason for complacency but a catalyst for growth. It is not a ticket to heaven but a taste of heaven here on earth. It is not an end in itself but a means to an end, the end being a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.

A testimony to the world: It is a testimony that speaks not of our goodness but of God's grace. It is a testimony that shines not with our own light but with the light of Christ. It is a testimony that echoes not with our own words but with the Word of God. It is a testimony that is not about us but about Christ in us, the hope of glory.

The Justification of Faith

The justification of faith is the divine act where God declares the sinner to be innocent of his or her sins ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO