Read the first, scanned the second.

Everything in this world is designed to make it easier to get closer to God, not just "salvation". 

Jesus's work before He turned 30 became part of our salvation, His bringing us closer to Him. 

We don't have to "understand" salvation so much as we have to give assent to it.   We actually can't fully understand it.

Our intellect falls short...and that's why we use faith to go "beyond reason", to love Him "beyond reason". 

Often our pride rears up, and it wants to 'understand' something (normally something it finds uncomfortable to agree to), and that's why Our Lord spoke so highly of humility.   And that's why all the Saints did too. 

Our intellect (and pride) can distance us from more intimate union with God...we need faith and we need humility.