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The first and last passages in Romans that mention faith have obedience inserted to clarify its context. It is the idea of an obedient faith vs a dead faith.
Rom 1:5
By whom we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith, in all nations, for his name:
Notice in this passage Grace does not nullify the need for obedience, Grace empowers obedience and grace makes us accountable if we do not obey. Grace gives us means and opportunity we must take advantage of.
The last passage
Rom 16:26
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
So it is obvious the grace given to us in revealing the scriptures concerning the Gospel was to bring forth the obedience of faith. In Romans the context is obedience.
Rom 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Faith dictates how we live our life to receive God's promises. The term " just" also shows that justification is through a life of faith, not belief only.
The context of Romans is the promotion of obedient faith.
Since faith has a context, we should look at the context of faith from different passages. Typically it means you believe God is the one providing power. See, Mark 11:22-24, the apostles were to believe God's power would be acting when they prayed or asked a mountain to be moved.
And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God.
Mar 11:23
For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.
Mar 11:24
Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
Here we see it isn't their authority alone, but belief God is providing the power and authority for whatever they ask. Therefore the term "have faith in God" is directly referencing his interaction with them. We can see this concept in Acts and Romans.
Mar 11:22
Act 26:18
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Sanctification takes place when faith is directed toward God. This does not mean faith only without covenant or actions, but faith directed towards Christ through covenant and in your actions, for in many New Covenant actions faith is directed toward Jesus and his father;
prayer
moving mountains
baptism
repentance
faithfulness during temptation
Confession of sins
All of these are completed through faith in Christ. Paul did not use faith apart from actions, but faith during. Not of works means you believe God's power is working instead of your own.
example
have faith in God
vs
say to this mountain "be moved"
Even though your mouth spoke, it is God's power that moves the mountain
Even though you baptize, it is God's power that removes sin.
Even though you pray, it is God who answers and does the work to accomplish it.
Eve though you confess after sinning, it is God who removes sin
Therefore, faith in Romans is belief God is the power behind the effectual working in the New Covenant. It is God's mercy that is in view.
Rom 3:25
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
God's mercy working through our faith in his sacrifice. It is not "at faith" but "through faith" in his blood.
Thus, any action that is performed through faith in his blood would fit this context, even baptism which is directed into his death.
Rom 6:3
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Baptism for the remission of sins does not violate Romans 3:25, but fulfills it. It is accomplished "through faith in his blood".
Through faith in God's working and through faith in Christ's sacrifice are both requirements for every spiritual action the Christian enjoins himself too.
In Romans Paul uses it as the basis for all we do, not a one time thought whereby we are justified by faith alone.
This concept is also used in Hebrews where we are able to come into the presence of God through Christ's blood.
Heb 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus,
Christ's blood enables us every time we approach God.
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