Why is preaching the gospel necessary for salvation?

Preaching the gospel is necessary because faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). Without the proclamation of the gospel, individuals cannot understand the message of salvation or believe in Christ. As Paul writes in Romans 10:14, 'How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard?' Therefore, preaching serves as the means through which God reveals His salvation to His elect, calling them to repentance and faith.