What does 'saved by grace through faith' mean?

'Saved by grace through faith' encapsulates the core of the Christian gospel. Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works, so that no one may boast. Grace is God's unmerited favor toward us, choosing to redeem us despite our sinful nature. Faith is the means by which we accept this gift—trusting in Christ's finished work of atonement. This understanding underscores the total reliance on God's mercy and love rather than personal merit, emphasizing that our salvation is entirely God's doing.