What is the relationship between faith and God's election?

The relationship between faith and God's election is vital in understanding salvation. According to Ephesians 2:8, faith itself is a gift from God, bestowed upon those whom He has elected for salvation. This means that true saving faith does not originate from human effort but is granted by the sovereign will of God. Wayne Boyd emphasizes that when individuals are regenerated by the Holy Spirit, they are also given the gift of faith, enabling them to believe in Christ. This aligns with the teaching that man's natural state is one of rebellion and inability to seek God, and thus, it is only through God's election and the accompanying gift of faith that one can respond to the gospel. Therefore, God’s election assures believers that their faith is not a result of their own wisdom or choice but a manifestation of His divine grace and sovereignty at work in their lives.