The gist of chapter two, as I see it, is that we gentiles are now unified with the Jews who are members of God’s household, not through our own works, but by grace through faith. Grace is essentially unmerited favor, and I believe the grace Paul is referring to is Jesus’ willing sacrifice on the cross and his subsequent resurrection. Faith is the means by which we receive this grace.
In verse 8, Paul adds this phrase (in the NIV) “and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”. What Paul means by “this” is a matter of interpretation and is a point of division in Christianity. For some, often referred to as Calvinists, the “this” includes not only salvation, but faith as well. That is, humans are not even capable of having faith except as a gift of God. For others, humans do develop faith, and the “this” refers back to the salvation God has provided.
Regardless of where we fall on this question, it’s essential to remember as Paul says, “it is not from works” that we are saved. We can’t bring ourselves back to life from the death from sin. That’s God’s grace.
