Faith as a gift: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Romans 12:3 also speaks of God allotting a “measure of faith.” The idea is that even the capacity to believe comes from God, countering any notion of human effort initiating salvation.

Where faith is placed: Not in our own righteousness, struggles, or religious performance, but in Christ’s finished work on the cross—His substitutionary atonement, death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Romans 3-5). This is often called “faith in Christ” or “resting in His work.” It’s total reliance on what He has accomplished, adding nothing of our own.

New birth / regeneration: Placing faith in Christ results in the Holy Spirit birthing new spiritual life (John 3:3-8, “born again” or “born of the Spirit”; Ezekiel 36:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:17, “new creation”). God’s initiative alone creates regeneration, preceding or enabling true faith. The old self is crucified with Christ; a new nature is implanted.

Fruits of the Spirit: Galatians 5:22-23 lists love, joy, peace, patience, etc., as the result of walking by the Spirit. Christ sanctifies us which is setting us apart for Himself, additional sanctification involves cooperation, hear and obey by faith (Philippians 2:12-13—”work out your own salvation… for it is God who works in you”), but the power and source are divine, not merely human willpower. This contrasts with “works of the flesh”, legalistic effort.

This framework stresses a union with Christ by faith: justification (declared righteous) is forensic and immediate, while sanctification (becoming like Christ) flows organically from the new life. Assurance comes from God’s promises alone.