Why is God's grace essential to understanding salvation?

God’s grace is pivotal in the plan of salvation as highlighted in the sermon. Salvation is depicted as an act of God’s sovereign grace, where He visits His people despite their unworthiness. Zacharias's inability to speak symbolizes humanity's spiritual deadness, from which God graciously awakens us. By God's grace, the Holy Spirit is given to us, enabling belief and drawing us near to God. This underscores the truth that salvation is entirely a work of God, and not a result of human effort; it is through grace that we are saved, bringing glory to God alone.