Why is grace essential in the doctrine of salvation?

Grace is at the heart of the Reformed understanding of salvation, highlighting God's unmerited favor towards sinners. Ephesians 2:8-9 illustrates this point, stating that we are saved by grace through faith, not of ourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast. This doctrine affirms that salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace, bestowed upon those He has chosen, which reinforces the sovereignty of God in the salvation process. Without grace, salvation would be unattainable, as no human effort or merit could bridge the gap created by sin.