How do we know that faith is essential for salvation?

Scripture provides overwhelming evidence that faith in Christ is essential for salvation, citing numerous passages where belief in Him correlates directly with eternal life. In John 3:16, Jesus articulates that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life, emphasizing that salvation is granted through faith alone. This principle is reinforced by the Apostle Paul, who writes extensively about justification by faith in Romans, underscoring that it is through faith that we access the grace of God.