I have read this thread, and it seems more and more like a merry-go-round. I, for one, believe that faith is the gift of God, others do not. Those who do not quote Romans 10:17, but when they read it/quote it, they do not truly comprehend what that verse is really saying. It says that faith cometh by hearing the Word of God. Now, say that over and over 20 times, and maybe you'll grasp the context of that verse. Faith cometh by hearing what? A flute, pipe, harp, a great orator? No on all of these. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The Word of God is Jesus manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit,etc.
1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
The Word of God mentioned in Roman 10:17 is more than the words a preacher says. It is preached in power, seasoned by God, if it is to take effect in one's salvation. The Word of God is a powerful sword, that cuts deep when it lands.
Heb. 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Now, here is the source where this sword comes from:
Rev. 1:10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.
12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks;
13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire;
15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.
James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
So, the Word that saves, engrafts people into the Vine, which is Jesus.
John 15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
So, no, man does not in himself, have the faith to believe. It must be endowed/bestowed by the Father, to open the eyes of sinners to realize their lost condition.
I hope and pray that this doesn't come across as "scattered", because of the use of many verses.