How do we know salvation is a gift from God?

The Bible teaches that salvation is entirely a gift from God, as articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." This underscores that no one can earn their salvation; it is solely based on God’s grace and mercy. This truth is foundational to sovereign grace theology, emphasizing that we are saved through faith in Christ and not by our own merits. The doctrines of original sin and total depravity reveal that humanity cannot contribute anything to their redemption, as we are inherently broken and sinful. Therefore, our salvation wholly relies on God's unmerited favor.