Quite often in the religious world some are prone to quote a verse of scripture as a “proof-text” and in so doing completely isolate it from nearby passages.   In studying the bible we must always keep in mind what the overall thought of the context demands.  For example: In Ephesians 2:8-9 some contend that salvation is completely dependant upon our faith and God’s grace without our having any part in the matter.  Of course, much of this is based on verse 9 which reads, “not of works, lest any man should boast.”  Any sincere, dedicated bible student would surely agree that our salvation does depend on the grace and mercy of God.  But to take any “action” on the part of the individual some would classify  it  as “works.”  It is interesting, in reading Ephesians 2:8-9, that the next verse says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works...”   Now, let’s take another argumentative passage from Mark 16:16:   “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”   Belief is the same as faith - but is baptism a “work” just because it requires action on the part of the individual?  What about Acts 2:40 after Peter had given the command to be baptized and then made the statement, “..save yourselves?”  Faith requires action (James 2:17)!  Action is the other side (next verse) of the coin of faith.  They are of equal value.