Why is God's grace essential for understanding salvation?

Understanding salvation is inseparable from the concept of God's grace, which underlies the entirety of our redemption. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that it is by grace we have been saved through faith, and this is not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. This grace not only initiates our salvation but also sustains us throughout our Christian walk. It assures us that our salvation is based entirely on God's mercy and love, not on our ability to live up to His standards. The acknowledgment of grace leads to humility and gratitude among believers, as we recognize that we are saved sinners who depend wholly on God’s unmerited favor both for our justification and sanctification.