What role does faith play in receiving Christ's sacrifice?

Faith plays a critical role in the life of the believer as it is the means by which we embrace and apply the work of Christ in our lives. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith, not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. This faith unites us to Christ, allowing us to partake in His righteousness and atonement. In the context of the sermon, the call to believe in Christ reflects our need to turn away from reliance on works and instead trust fully in the finished work of Christ at the cross, recognizing that He is our only hope and source of righteousness.