How does grace impact our understanding of salvation?

Grace plays a crucial role in our understanding of salvation within the Reformed tradition. It is the means by which we are given faith and the ability to respond to God's call. As articulated in Ephesians 2:8-9, grace is a gift from God—not something we earn through merit or works. The story of Paul and Silas illustrates this beautifully, as the salvation of the jailer exemplifies how God's grace intervenes to open hearts to the Gospel. This sovereign grace not only initiates salvation but sustains it, ensuring that all who truly believe in Christ are saved eternally. Thus, grace completely alters our approach to salvation, removing any notion of self-sufficiency and highlighting our utter dependence on God's mercy and love.