Why is believing in Jesus essential for salvation?

In Acts 7, Stephen passionately urges his listeners to recognize that faith in Jesus Christ is indispensable for salvation. The gospel presents Jesus not just as a historical figure but as the Savior, the one upon whom our faith must rely for forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Without belief in Him, one remains under the curse of sin, with no hope for true righteousness or eternal life. Stephen's message reminds us that our natural inclination is to resist the truth, yet it emphasizes the necessity to come to God in humility, recognizing that we cannot save ourselves. This call to belief is not merely an action we can initiate without divine help, as true belief is a gift from God that transforms hearts.