Bible Question Can anyone answer my question?

[manalan]

Hello and blessings everyone,

I have been a Bible-believer for over 30-years.

For the past 12-months or more, I have been making enquiries to a variety of Christian ministry leaders, using the template below. My aim is to see if I can obtain an answer to my question. Given that I have been unable to obtain a suitable answer, I am hoping that someone on this forum may be able to give me a suitable answer.

My Question​

The scripture verse below - as stated in the King James Bible by the Apostle Paul says:

“But THEY [i.e. today's Christians?] HAVE NOT ALL OBEYED THE GOSPEL. For Esaias [Isaiah 53:1] saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?” (Romans 10:16)

Given that the scripture verse below plainly states that Salvation is:

“...by GRACE are ye SAVED THROUGH FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the [free] GIFT OF GOD: 9 NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

The question here is that if Salvation is a "FREE GIFT" as stated above (and also in Romans 5:15, 16 and 18), what is the situation involving OBEDIENCE that the Apostle Paul is referring to?

NOTE: The term “OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL” can also be seen in 2 Thessalonians 1:8 and 1 Peter 4:17 -— therefore knowing WHAT to OBEY and then COMPLYING with the requirement I believe is most likely to affect one’s Salvation.

Please tell me what your thoughts are.

Blessings.