How do we know that grace is the basis of our salvation?

The doctrine of grace is foundational to the Christian faith, as articulated throughout Scripture. Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores that we are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from ourselves; it is the gift of God. Grace, by definition, cannot be earned or deserved. It is God's unmerited favor toward us, especially highlighted in Romans 12, where the apostle Paul emphasizes that our call to obedience is rooted in God’s mercies. Understanding that salvation is completely by grace keeps believers humble and reliant on Christ's work rather than their own efforts.