Why is grace essential for salvation?

Grace is essential for salvation because it offers unmerited favor to sinners who are otherwise condemned by the law. The law demands perfect obedience, which no one can fulfill, as confirmed in James 2:10. However, grace extends forgiveness and justification through faith in Jesus Christ, who fulfilled the law’s requirements on our behalf. Acts 15:11 emphasizes that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, underlining that without grace, no one would be saved. This principle ensures that salvation is completely based on Christ’s merit rather than human effort.