How do we know grace is not from our works?

Grace is defined in the Bible as unmerited favor from God, which is crucial because salvation is not based on our works. Ephesians 2:8-9 states that 'by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of your own doing; it is the gift of God.' This emphasizes that salvation is given without any contribution from us, thus eliminating any basis for boasting. Works cannot contribute to our salvation because they are a result of our faith, not the cause of it. This stunning assertion reaffirms our complete reliance on God's grace rather than our own efforts.