Salvation does not Precede Faith

Saving faith and repentance are given by God (2 Timothy 2:25; Acts 11:18; Ephesians 2:8) to the elect (Acts 13:48). Salvation, justification and sonship come ‘through faith’ (Romans 3:22, 30; 5:1; Galatians 3:26; Ephesians 2:8; Philippians 3:9). As it is written: “…God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ…” (Acts 11:17). The key word is “when.” According to Ephesians 1:13, "...having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise." In this case, the key phrase is “having believed.“ "...He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:" (John 1:12). He didn’t give the “right to become children of God” to unbelievers, but rather to “those who believe.” “…you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him…” (Colossians 2:12-13). A person is raised “through” or "by" faith. Galatians 3:26 states “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” It’s “through" faith, not “before” or “apart” from faith. For more examples of faith and repentance preceding regeneration and life in Christ, see Ezekiel 18:30-32; John 5:40; 12:36; 20:31; 6:53, 7; Galatians 3:2, 5; Acts 11:18; 5:9; 1 Timothy 1:16.