What does it mean to say salvation is by grace alone?

Salvation by grace alone is a core tenet of Reformed theology, emphasizing that it is God's unmerited favor that saves, rather than human works or will. This doctrine is rooted in scriptural teachings that stress the inability of humanity to attain salvation through their means. The story of Hosea illustrates this beautifully, where God's grace reaches out to the undeserving, demonstrating that our acceptance before God hinges solely on Christ's righteousness and His completed work on the cross. Thus, any aspect of salvation that relies on human effort undermines the grace God freely extends to His people.