Is Faith the Gift of God?

Another related point may naturally come up here. While the necessity of faith is recognized, still is not faith itself the gift of God?

It is true in one sense that faith is the gift of God, but it is God's gift to all who want it, to all who are willing to use it. Since, as is most generally agreed, the sincere offer of salvation is made to all, and since "whosoever will" may receive the gospel, it is evident that saving faith is within the reach of all. Such faith is given of God to those who desire to be saved. It is not given to all, because all will not avail themselves of it, will not yield to the moving of the Holy Spirit, and will not let the regenerating power of God work within them.

On the freeness of the gift of faith, Dr. R. A. Torrey said: "Faith is God's gift. Like all of God's gifts it is at the disposal of all who wish it, for there is no respect of persons with Him. We shall see directly that it is given through a certain instrument that is within reach of all, and upon certain conditions that any of us can fulfill." (What the Bible Teaches, p. 379)

Dr. William Evans said: "God wills to work faith in all His creatures, and will do so if they do not resist His Holy Spirit. We are responsible, therefore, not so much for the lack of faith, but for resisting the Spirit who will create faith in our hearts if we will permit Him to do so." (The Great Doctrines of the Bible, p. 149)

Similarly, Dr. Harry Ironside said: "Faith is the gift of God . . . All men may have faith if they will; but alas, many refuse to hear the Word of God, so they are left in their unbelief. The Holy Spirit presents the Word, but one may resist His gracious influence. On the other hand, one may listen to the Word and believe it. That is faith. It is God's gift, it is true, because given through His Word." (Full Assurance, pp. 98-99)