"In other words, faith couldn’t even exist unless first of all there was the revelation of that love at the cross (agape). All of this is just another way of saying that salvation is by grace, “not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:9)."
So might I hide my blushing face
When His dear cross appears;
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
And melt mine eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can ne’er repay
This debt of love I owe.
Here Lord, I give myself away,
‘Tis all that I can do.
—Isaac Watts