Ephesians II
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8 ESV)
Faith
How different this verse would read if something else replaced Faith. It would change the nature, possibility, and fact of salvation and the gospel.
For instance:
… through works… God would still do the saving, but it would depend on our life choices, our morality, our ability to do the right thing. It could no longer be grace.
… through timing… God will still do the saving, but it would depend on circumstances, historical situations, and being in the right place at the right time. It could no longer be grace.
… through understanding… God would still do the saving, but it would depend on our intelligence, understanding, or having a good teacher. It could no longer be grace.
Faith, as a means for God’s grace, refers to our relationship with Him. When we see how trustworthy He is, and trust Him, that is faith. When we see how loving He is, and love Him, that is faith. When we see His awesomeness, and become lovingly in awe of Him, that is faith.
Thank Him that His plan for salvation… faith and grace… naturally fit together.
In fact, those whom He has bathed in grace, WILL have faith.