The righteous shall live by faith? - Roman 1:17

Romans 1:17 is a pivotal verse in Christian theology, encapsulating the doctrine of justification by faith. The verse reads in ESV version, “The righteous shall live by faith,” but its translation can vary significantly among different versions of the Bible.  

• English Standard Version (ESV): "The righteous shall live by faith." - A footnote indicates that it can also be translated as "the one who by faith is righteous shall live."
• New International Version (NIV): "The righteous will live by faith.
• New Revised Standard Version (NRSV): "The one who is righteous will live by faith."
  
  So, Is the righteous person someone who lives by faith, or is the person who lives by faith considered righteous? The interpretation "the one who by faith is righteous shall live" focuses on the idea that faith is the means through which one is justified and declared righteous. According to this view, righteousness comes from faith, and this righteousness is evidenced by living a life in accordance with that faith. On the other hand, "the righteous shall live by faith" emphasizes that living by faith is an intrinsic part of being righteous. This perspective suggests that true righteousness naturally manifests in a life lived according to faith and places the emphasis on the type of life that the one whom the Lord regards as righteous will demonstrate.
  
  

This diversity in translation reflects a certain ambiguity in the original Greek that allows Paul's words to be understood with broader implications. However, to understand the meaning and interpretation of Romans 1:17, it's helpful to examine the Old Testament roots of the quotation. Romans 1:17 quotes from Habakkuk 2:4, which reads:

•  הִנֵּ֤ה עֲצֵ֙לָה֙ יַשְּׁכִּ֣ן לֹֽא־ט֔וֹב וְצַדִּ֥יק בְּאֱמוּנָת֖וֹ יִחְיֶֽה - "Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith (Or faithfulness)."
• Greek translation (LXX): ὁ δὲ δίκαιος ἐκ πίστεώς μου ζήσεται - "but the just shall live by my faith(Or faithfulness)."

 In Habakkuk, this verse is part of a larger context where the prophet is struggling with the apparent triumph of wickedness and injustice. God’s response emphasizes that while the proud and unjust will face judgment, the righteous (or just) will live by their faithfulness. The term “faith” (אֱמוּנָה, emunah) in this context refers to faithfulness or loyalty to God. This verse contrasts the fate of the wicked with that of the righteous, affirming that true life comes through faithfulness to God.

The question of whether the righteous person is defined by their life of faith, or if a person who lives by faith is considered righteous, highlights a key aspect of Christian belief. Both interpretations are integral to understanding the nature of righteousness and faith. Faith leads to righteousness, and a righteous life is characterized by a continual living out of that faith. Romans 1:17 thus encapsulates a vital truth: righteousness and faith are deeply connected, with faith both initiating and defining a righteous life.

But we must not lose sight of the fact that what Paul ultimately wants his readers to see here is the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. In Paul's writings, the central focus is on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ rather than merely on human faith. While human faith is essential, Paul emphasizes that our ultimate assurance and justification come from Christ's unwavering faithfulness. If we concentrate solely on our own faith, we might overlook the fundamental truth that it is Christ's faithful obedience and righteousness that guarantee our salvation. This shift in focus from human faith to Christ's faithfulness underscores the idea that our justification is grounded in what Jesus has done, not just in what we believe.

In the context of Christian theology, Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the righteousness described in Romans 1:17. Jesus is viewed as the embodiment of perfect righteousness and the one who makes righteousness available to believers. According to the New Testament, Jesus fulfilled the law and the prophets, providing a perfect example of living by faith. Matthew 5:17: Jesus states, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Jesus’ life and work fulfill the requirements of righteousness as set out in the Old Testament.

Romans 1:17 encapsulates a vital theological truth: righteousness and faith are deeply intertwined. While our faith is crucial as the means through which we respond to God’s offer of righteousness, it is equally important to recognize that our ultimate assurance of righteousness is grounded in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. Jesus' life and work not only fulfill the requirements of righteousness but also provide the foundation for our justification and salvation. Understanding this dual aspect—human faith and Christ's faithfulness—helps to fully grasp the essence of justification by faith in Christian theology. Recognizing that our standing with God is ultimately based on Jesus’ faithfulness, not just on our own faith, helps us appreciate God’s amazing grace more, strengthens our trust in what Jesus did for us, and inspires us to live out our faith in everyday life while balancing thankfulness for what Christ has done with our personal trust in Him.