Please see post 5,183...Ephesians 2:8 does NOT teach that saving faith is a gift, although in an English translation it can look that way.
“that” refers to the entire previous statement about salvation, not only the grace but the faith. Man’s own power cannot exercise saving faith.
if you could save yourself, there would be no need for Christ. Does your faith come from God or from yourself. What is the rock upon which the church is built? Is it Christ or Peter
Ah, the Arminian war cry which has been denying the Gospel and returning the church to Rome for the past 500 years.
No wonder Arminians are such great friends of the magisterium. They carry water for those who look to their good works for salvation.
Arminians boast, while Calvinists fall to their knees in thanks.
Same old, same old.
As the whole of Scripture tells us, most specifically in Ephesians 2:8, faith is indeed a gift of God given by His free gift of grace. "Saved by grace through faith." None of which is of ourselves. "It is a gift of God," for, by and through Jesus Christ, "the author and finisher of our faith." From beginning to end.
The ability to repent, obey and believe is not a part of the natural man. He must first be born again; regenerated by the Holy Spirit to know the things of God.
And that rebirth is given not by the will or desire or work of men, but by the good pleasure of God alone for His glory.
Jesus very clearly said that we did not choose Him, but that He chose us.
And yet some Arminians still do not believe these words of Christ. So we shouldn't be too surprised they don't believe the words of Paul.
Just like the Romanists.