How do we know grace through Christ is essential for salvation?

The importance of grace in salvation is evident throughout scripture. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, lest anyone should boast. This aligns with the teaching in the sermon that Ahab's desire to 'buy' Naboth's inheritance exemplifies the futility of human effort in obtaining God’s gifts. True inheritance is only through Christ's sacrifice, highlighting that eternal life is a divine gift rather than a reward for merit, underscoring God's sovereignty in salvation.