Herman Hoeksema on Salvation and Faith

"The impression is often left by preachers who present the matter of faith as something that depends on the sinner's own will and choice, as if faith were a CONDITION unto salvation. God is willing to save us ON CONDITION that we believe. But there are no conditions to salvation. We are not saved through faith because faith is regarded as a good work, or because through faith we are able to do good works and obtain righteousness before God. For we are saved by grace; and if it is of works, it is no more of grace. It cannot even be said that faith is the hand whereby we take hold of salvation that is offered us. Salvation is not an offer, but a wonder work of God; and the sinner has no hand to accept it. But faith is the means, and that, too, God's means whereby we are implanted into Christ. It is the spiritual power whereby we cling to the God of our salvation in Jesus Christ our Lord, our righteousness and perfect redemption forever! By grace are ye save, not on condition of, nor because of, but THROUGH faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God." - Herman Hoeksema, The Wonder of Grace