Where does faith come from? Is faith something we obtain through our own efforts or works. Do we hear about Jesus or want to draw close to God and so we somehow find faith within us to believe. Luther's Small Catechism gives the answer:
Question 8 - What does God teach and do in the Gospel?
In the Gospel, the good news of our salvation in Jesus Christ, God gives forgiveness, faith, life and the power to please Him with good works.
Romans 1:16 - I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.
When it comes to our salvation, God is the one who acts. He graciously gives us what we need - faith - to believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord and to receive the gifts of forgiveness of sins, the new life in Christ Jesus and the hope of eternal life.
Praise the Lord!
