The Bible explicitly states that salvation is a gift of God, not based on human works.
Salvation is described as an unspeakable gift in 2 Corinthians 9:15, clearly emphasizing that it originates from God's grace rather than any personal merit. Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforces this by affirming that it is by grace through faith that we are saved, and this is not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. This gift encapsulates the entire experience of coming to faith, including repentance and belief, demonstrating God's sovereign grace in using means such as preachers to convey His message of salvation.
Scripture References:
2 Corinthians 9:15, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 John 5:11
Commentary