Why must we believe in Jesus to be saved?

According to Romans 10:9-10, belief in Jesus must precede salvation, as it includes confessing Him as Lord and believing in His resurrection. This belief is foundational because it acknowledges Jesus as the only Mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Furthermore, Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is a gift of God received through faith, not of works, underscoring that trust in Jesus is crucial for righteousness before God. Recognizing Him as Lord calls for a personal response that results in salvation.