I think you need to rethink the scripture and what it is saying. After all, I used it to make my point earlier on.
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."
Just because the scripture uses "faith" and "believe" in the same sentence and in opposite order does not mean that they are the same thing.
It says that without "faith" it is impossible to please him. That's the "gift" God gives. You can not have undeserved favor without it.
"for whoever would draw near to God must "believe" that he exists..."
What did it say? "for "whoever" would draw near to God.." Let's continue...."must believe he exists..."
It's exactly what I was talking about. Believing is good...it's the first step, but it's the faith that pleases him because you now have his undeserved favor. It didn't say God drew near to "whoever"...it said "for "whoever" would draw near to God..."