Why is faith in Christ's sacrifice vital for salvation?

Faith in Christ's sacrifice is central to salvation because it accepts the truth that we are incapable of saving ourselves through good works. As described in Hebrews 9:22, without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins. This highlights the necessity of Christ's sacrificial death as the ultimate atonement for sin. Moreover, as seen in Romans 10:9, confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection is foundational to our justification. Through faith, we receive the righteousness of Christ, which is credited to us, allowing us to stand justified before a holy God. Therefore, faith is not merely intellectual assent but a heartfelt reliance on Christ's completed work.