Answers (3)
Ephesians 2:8,9 By this undeserved kindness you have been saved through faith, and this is not of your own doing; rather it's God's gift. No, it is not the results of works, so that no one should have grounds for boasting.
There is no way an imperfect human can gain faith on his own, no matter how noble his works are.
Salvation is a gift from God, but it does not come automatically. God requires faith in the sin atoning value of the sacrifice of his Son, and obedience, following in the footsteps of Christ Jesus by making his Father's name known, and preaching the good news about God's kingdom and the benefits it will bring.
Also, it involves endurance. Being a Christian is not easy, just as it was not easy for Christ Jesus. Matthew 24:13 says: But he that has endured to the end is the one that will be saved.
(Romans 10:10) For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.
There is no salvation for any who do not accept and apply this “‘word’ of faith.” An enduring faith is required for salvation.
As we preach that “‘word’ of faith,” it becomes more and more deeply engraved in our hearts. It was so with Paul, and his further words can strengthen our resolve to be like him in sharing that faith with others: “If you publicly declare that ‘word in your own mouth,’ that Jesus is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)
Faith is the beginning of the ladder, salvation is the top. There is a Ladder to Heaven. How do you climb to the so-called heaven? You start with believing in God, you accept God and you have faith. This is the beginning. Then you live with hope, trust and enthusiasm. Then you come to the middle of the ladder, where you really love God. When you love God, what do you do? You seek God, you want God, you go in search of God. The scripture tells you that the kingdom of God is within; the scripture tells you that God lives in the temple of your heart. You don't just go to church, you continue your search. You go and try to understand what salvation is, what Enlightenment is. You ask the question where is heaven and hell, you try to find out whether the Santa clause is the myth or the truth, you distinguish between the two. You use the power of the intellect and you love God so much that you go in quest of God. And ultimately, you will get salvation; you will become one with God. This is beyond human comprehension. Start your quest.