How do we know God's mercy is not based on our actions?

In Romans 9:15, Paul writes, 'For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.' This statement underlines that divine mercy is an unearned gift, not something we can deserve or achieve through our actions. The doctrine of sovereign grace asserts that God dispenses mercy according to His purpose and sovereign will, independent of human deeds. This assures us that salvation is rooted in God's initiative and love rather than our own efforts, freeing us from the burden of performance, and reminding us that all glory belongs to God.