For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV)
Why is salvation a gift when we are the one who believe? Let us look at the sequence of salvation - preach, hear, believe, call.
Preach and Hear
First, before we can believe, we must hear. A person born 2500 years ago in Qufu曲阜, Lu魯, Zhou周, would not have the opportunity to hear God's word. So if you can hear the Gospel, it is a gift of God.
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? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? (Romans 10:14 ESV)
Believe and Call
Preconceived ideas and perception may prevent one from believing. A nationalistic Arab who believe in one God may not accept a Hebrew God. Thus if you can break out of your preconceived perception, it is a gift God.
"Nazareth!" exclaimed Nathanael. "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" "Come and see for yourself," Philip replied. (John 1:46 NLT)
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