Kosta: "And here I thought faith was a free (unconditional) gift of God as they say. Seems like there are some heavy ropes attached to this."
God is in full control. This is not the conveyance of an arms-length offer, such as "if you cut my grass, I will give you $25." Rather, it is a statement of immutable fact, such as "if you drop a hammer, it will fall". God's will decides whether we ever declare Christ, for we are fully dependent on Him for the grace to do so.
Then we are helpless and hopeless. But, in Christ, everyone is invited. God knocks on everyone's heart and doesn't bar anyone from coming to Him. The decision is ours, by His permission.
Thank God, He offers His love to all. He favors no one.