What does the Bible say about the free gift of salvation?

The concept of salvation as a free gift is beautifully illustrated in several scriptures. Romans 3:24 clearly states that we are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. This gift is offered without cost and is comparable to free sunshine or air; it is freely given and freely received. The notion that one can earn their salvation is contradicted by Ephesians 2:8-9, which emphasizes that we are saved by grace through faith, and not of ourselves, so that no one can boast of their own works.