How do we know that grace is foundational to our salvation?

Grace is the unmerited favor of God that allows sinners to be reconciled to Him. This concept is vividly illustrated in Romans 5:20, which states that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more. Thus, grace becomes the sole basis of salvation, emphasizing that we are saved by faith, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-9, which teaches that it is by grace we have been saved, not by works, so that no one can boast. The recognition that God's help does not come as a reward for helping ourselves but as grace for those who cannot help themselves underscores the beauty and necessity of grace in redemption.