How do we know that grace is central to God's plan?

In Zechariah 4:7, the proclamation of 'grace, grace unto it' serves as a powerful reminder that all aspects of God's work, including the rebuilding of the temple, hinge on His unmerited favor. This theme of grace permeates the Bible, as it is by grace that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). The work initiated by Zerubbabel symbolizes not just a physical rebuilding but also the spiritual restoration that God accomplishes through Christ. The two mentions of grace indicate that it is the starting point and the finish line of God’s work in our lives—grace that both begins and completes the rebuilding process, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His covenant people. In this light, grace is not merely a concept; it is the very essence of God's engagement with humanity.