How do we know that grace is essential for salvation?

Grace is fundamentally important because it signifies that salvation is a gift from God rather than a result of human effort. The concept of grace reveals that we are incapable of salvaging ourselves due to the sinful nature we inherit as descendants of Adam. As highlighted in the content, 'There never was, is not now, and never will be any good in our flesh.' This absence of goodness necessitates reliance on divine grace for salvation.

Moreover, the statement 'By the grace of God I am what I am' captures the heart of the gospel. Our transformation, faith, and ability to persevere in our walk with Christ are all manifestations of God's grace working in us. Without grace, we would remain in darkness and isolation from the love of God. Thus, recognizing grace's precedence in our salvation is vital for both understanding the gospel and comprehending our identity in Christ.