What does it mean when the Bible says faith is a gift?

Scripture clearly indicates that faith is not a product of human effort but rather a divine gift from God. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, 'For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.' This means that our ability to believe in Christ comes from His sovereign choice to grant us faith. This understanding emphasizes that our salvation is entirely dependent on God's grace and not on our works, allowing us to approach Him with humility and gratitude.