Faith is the means by which we receive God's grace and is integral to salvation, but it is not a work we perform.
In Reformed theology, faith is understood as the instrument through which we receive God's grace in salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 clarifies this relationship, stating that we are saved by grace through faith, highlighting that faith itself is a gift from God, not a result of our own efforts. This understanding affirms that salvation is fully the work of God—beginning to end. Faith is essentially trusting in the work of Christ, recognizing that our own works cannot merit salvation. Furthermore, Romans 10:17 tells us that 'faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,' underlining the importance of God's revealed truth in nurturing our faith. Thus, while faith is necessary for salvation, it must be viewed as a response to God’s grace rather than a contributing factor to our justification.
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