How do we know that grace is a gift and not earned?

The concept of grace as an unearned gift is foundational in Reformed theology, particularly illustrated in Romans 3:24, where it states that believers are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Grace is not something we achieve by our actions; it is given according to God's sovereign will. As Paul notes in Romans 9:15, God declares, 'I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.' This underscores the reality that grace is not contingent upon our merit or effort but is an expression of God's will and mercy. The contrast between grace and works is fundamental; if salvation depended on our works, it would undermine the essence of grace.