What role does grace play in our justification?

In Romans 3:24, we learn that we are 'justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.' Justification, a legal declaration of righteousness, is made possible solely by God's grace, not through our own works or merit. This aligns with the historic Reformed understanding that justification is an act of God's grace wherein He declares sinners righteous based on faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice. This truth serves to underscore the complete reliance on God's grace for salvation, separating it from any notions of human ability or effort.