What role does faith play in receiving grace?

Faith plays a pivotal role in receiving grace, as Ephesians 2:8 explicitly states that we are saved by grace through faith. This means that while grace is God's unmerited favor, it requires faith to receive it. The act of believing in Christ involves trusting in His finished work for salvation, acknowledging that we are unable to attain righteousness on our own. Thus, faith is not a work; it is the God-given means that links us to the grace of God. In this way, faith allows us to fully embrace the assurances and promises found in Christ's sacrifice.