I'd say, salvation comes as a result of faith, not faith as a result of salvation. That is, a person becomes saved if and only if they have faith. That doesn't mean there is not a process of God's drawing and influence upon their heart and mind prior to coming to faith. But I wouldn't call that salvation. Just as I wouldn't equate Jesus carrying His cross with the actual crucifixion. But I think it is good to say not "I am not saved because I believed", but "I am saved because of what Christ has done". Faith is a means to an end really, not the source of object of the salvation itself.
If we take the example of Abraham, God chose Abraham, God made a promise to Abraham, Abraham believed God, and that resulted in righteousness. Why did God choose this pagan worshipper named Abram? Because He wanted to.
Well Abram was chosen by God because God spoke to Abram personally and blessed him "and in thee all families of the earth be blessed."
The Lord also gave Abram land, this was before Abram showed any faith, he was just chosen by God, nowhere does the Bible say that Abram was a pagan, Abram was a shemite and from the line of Eber, the Bible introduces Abram strictly by his geneolgy.
Now early on because Abram had a beautiful wife he got into a little strife down in Egypt, so God helped Abram again.
Abram was already wealthy without the Lords help, extremely wealthy but the Lord gave him even more riches "And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver and in gold"
See so far it does not say anything about Abram having great faith...
and then God says to Abram that He will give Abram a huge parcel of what was probably some of the best land in all that part of the world.
By that stage Abram had become quite powerful as he had hundreds of servants, whom he was able to arm and organise into a small army 380 men strong.
Now when God says to Abram "Fear not Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward."
what does Abram say:
"Lord God what wilt thy give me, seeing I go childless"
So great riches and power was not enough from God, Abram wanted more, so he asked God for help, and God said no problem Abram count the stars as that will be as your seed!
Didn't take any faith on Abrams part, I mean God had done so much for him, that he felt like he could just ask for anything he wanted, that's not faith, that's what's called 'chosen'.....