The eleventh chapter of the Letter to the Hebrews describes many practical examples of faith. Foremost among these is the faith shown by Abraham. His faith was then shown by his obedience to God. Read James 2 v 17-26. Thus faith and obedience can, in God's mercy, secure the forgiveness of our sins and, in consequence, death also can be overcome.
Eternal life is, in truth, a gift.
The way in which this has been made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ is dealt with in a later Study. Eternal life is to be given at a future time when there will be a resurrection of the dead. Then those who are worthy of this precious gift will be changed into immortal beings. The resurrection of the dead may sound incredible but it is one of those things which God requires us to believe. We know that all things are possible with God.