Faith is indeed a profound and beautiful gift from God, intricately woven into the fabric of our spiritual life. The concept of faith as a gift is rooted in several passages of Scripture, offering deep insight into its divine origin and purpose.

Ephesians 2:8-9 stands out as a cornerstone verse in understanding faith as a gift: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This passage highlights that faith, along with grace, is not something we can generate on our own or earn through our efforts. Rather, it is bestowed upon us by God’s loving initiative, enabling us to respond to Him and embrace the salvation He offers in Jesus Christ.

The reason faith is considered a gift is multifaceted. Firstly, it acknowledges human limitations and the divine nature of spiritual truths. Our natural selves are not inclined towards God or the things of the Spirit (Romans 8:7). It requires a supernatural intervention—God opening our hearts and minds—to truly believe and trust in Him.

Secondly, viewing faith as a gift ensures that God receives the glory for our salvation and spiritual growth, not us. It keeps us humble, recognizing that we depend entirely on God’s grace and mercy for our relationship with Him. It’s a reminder that every step towards God is initiated by His calling and sustained by His power.

Moreover, the gift of faith is not static; it’s dynamic and grows. Romans 12:3 speaks about God assigning a measure of faith to each one of us. This implies that our journey of faith begins with what God gives, and as we walk with Him, our faith matures and develops through experiences, trials, the study of His Word, and our ongoing relationship with Him.

In summary, faith as a gift from God is a foundational concept that underscores our reliance on God for salvation, encourages humility, and highlights the transformative power of an ongoing relationship with the Divine. It’s a reminder that at every moment, we are held and sustained by grace, invited to trust more deeply in the One who loves us beyond measure.

If faith is a gift, does that mean atheists are damned and have no choice or free will?

The question of faith, free will, and the state of those who do not believe is a deeply complex and nuanced topic that has been explored throughout Christian theology. It’s important to approach it with a spirit of compassion and humility, recognizing the depth of God’s love for all His creation.

Firstly, it’s crucial to affirm that God desires all people to come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:4. God’s heart is for everyone to experience the redemption and life found in Jesus Christ. This universal desire of God for salvation underscores the availability of His grace and the gift of faith to all humanity.

The gift of faith does not negate free will. Rather, it complements it. While faith is indeed a gift from God, every individual has the freedom to respond to God’s invitation. God’s initiation requires a response, and this is where free will plays a significant role. The act of faith involves a personal decision to trust in God, accept His grace, and commit one’s life to following Jesus. This decision is made possible because God first reaches out to us, but it is not forced upon us.

As for those who do not believe, such as atheists, it’s essential to approach this subject with the understanding that God’s judgment is righteous, merciful, and ultimately beyond our full comprehension. The Scriptures teach that God is just and will judge each person according to the light and truth available to them (Romans 2:12-16). It’s not our place to declare who is saved or condemned; rather, our call is to love others, share the good news of Jesus, and trust in God’s perfect justice and mercy.

The existence of free will means that people can indeed choose to reject God’s gift of faith. However, this reality coexists with the Christian commitment to pray for all people, engage in respectful and loving dialogue, and trust in the Holy Spirit’s work in the hearts of individuals.

In summary, while faith is a gift from God, it does not eliminate human free will or predetermine anyone’s eternal destiny without regard to their response. God’s desire is for all to be saved, and He provides the opportunity for each person to respond to His grace. As followers of Christ, we are called to extend His love and truth to everyone, trusting in God’s sovereign and compassionate judgment.