How does God's grace impact salvation?

The concept of grace is pivotal in the Christian faith, as it signifies God's unmerited favor towards sinners. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, not of ourselves; it is a gift from God. This reinforces the belief that salvation is entirely based on God's initiative and love, not human effort. The finished work of Christ, as highlighted in the sermon, is a testament to grace, where Jesus, our Savior, bore the punishment for our sins. Understanding grace helps believers appreciate the depth of God's mercy and motivates them to live in light of this incredible gift.