11:26) as the only condition for eternal life. We note that Jesus did not ask, “Will you decide to believe this?” or even “Will you believe this?” He simply asked her if she did believe (i.e., was convinced) that the words and promise which He had just spoken were true. So the question as to whether faith itself is a meritorious deed expresses a misunderstanding about the nature and definition of faith. Faith is not a deed at all. So, it cannot be a meritorious deed. It is not a decision, but a realization