Why is faith crucial for salvation?

Faith is the instrument through which believers accept the redemptive work of Christ, as Paul articulates in Galatians 3:6-9. It is through faith that we are justified and reconciled to God. This faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust in Christ's finished work. By believing in Jesus, we align ourselves with His righteousness, which is the only means by which we can be deemed acceptable before God. Hence, faith is the foundation of our relationship with God and the assurance of our salvation.