Why is grace essential for salvation according to the Bible?

According to Ephesians 2:8-9, salvation is by grace through faith, which underscores the central tenet of sovereign grace theology: we cannot earn our way to God through works. The grace of God is foundational because it is only through His initiative that we are drawn, saved, and transformed. This grace highlights God's sovereignty in salvation, ensuring that no one can boast about their contributions to their standing before Him. In essence, grace is God’s divine intervention that enables us to achieve a relationship with Him apart from human merit.