Why is faith important for receiving eternal life?

According to John 5:24, faith is essential for receiving eternal life, as it is through faith that an individual believes in Christ and recognizes their transition from death to life. This faith is not something that earns salvation; rather, it is a gift from God that signifies that one has already received life. Faith and life are intrinsically linked; where one exists, the other must follow. Thus, believing in Christ as the sole source of salvation is paramount for anyone seeking eternal life.