Why is grace essential in salvation?

Grace is essential in salvation as it underscores that salvation cannot be earned through human effort but is a free gift from God. This is articulated in Romans 3:24, 'Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.' Without grace, individuals would be left to their own sinful inclinations, unable to achieve the righteousness needed to stand before God. It emphasizes God's unmerited favor towards sinners, revealing the depth of His love and mercy in the plan of redemption, and mandates that all glory for salvation belongs to God alone.