Ephesians 2:8-9

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast."
NIV

Doesn't God know our human nature so well? (I know, duhhhh.) What I mean is He makes a way to salvation that takes no effort or display of our ability or discipline. Salvation is by faith alone -- this ethereal, unmeasurable belief that can only be seen in our hearts by God. Think about it. We each stand equals in faith -- it all will lead to salvation. If salvation was by how well we follow God's laws, we could scrutinize, compare, brag, and basically take credit for our own salvation. But God in His amazing wisdom designed a way where we must humble ourselves and simply believe and trust.

Further Thoughts:

1. What is a good definition of faith? (See Hebrews 11:1)
2. Who are some Old Testament heroes of the faith? (Read all of Hebrews 11 for a summary)
3. Using a concordance, look up other Scriptures on faith.
4. What other gifts does God give us? (Support with Scripture)