Paul's often-quoted statement in Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God," shows the need of both God's grace and man's faith. There is no doubt regarding God's grace; but it is possible that man will not respond with his faith. Man may not fully understand what faith in God means and what it requires. Bible faith is not just one quality. Bible faith demands several qualities known to mortal man, and we will list them as follows:

1. It requires a firm conviction (every faithful man and woman has this quality):
   
2. It requires a complete trust. Remember Abraham, of Genesis possessed this quality, and he is one of our best examples, and there are many others too.
   
3. It also requires obedience to the gospel. One may say he believes, and he may follow with words that imply that he truly loves the Lord. This offering of words may or may not be the truth; but when he acts in obedience there can be no doubt; for Jesus said, "He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me" (John 14:21.) Such a man proves his Bible faith by his righteous acts of obedience.
   

It seems that the great problem that faces the one who is about to accept Christ, or the one who has already responded to God's grace by accepting Christ on the terms of the gospel, is the application of that to the life that is required in order to really have the faith of the Bible.

Love works hand in hand with the faith God requires, and he does require it. Hebrews 11:6 states "'but without faith it is impassible to please God: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." However, as with faith, so it is with love. We must accept the Bible definition. II John, verse 6 will define love such as God expects it to exist in man's heart: "And this is love, that we walk according to his commandments" (A.V.R.) In reality our actions in obedience to the will of God is actually prompted by our great love for him.

Then when you hear the gospel proclaimed, if you are an alien sinner, what will you hear? The actual truth of the gospel, that which you are asked to obey. Christ did everything for you, and salvation comes to you by the grace of God. Your response will be because you love him, and therefore you will do just what he asks you to do, When you obey the word of truth, you will be doing so by faith in Christ. No other conclusion can be reached.

Salvation is by the grace of God. Our acceptance of that great grace into our lives will come by full obedience. Or in other words, by faith in Christ. God's grace is great! How strong and healthy is your faith in him?