Why is grace important for understanding salvation?

Grace is essential in the gospel because it reflects the unmerited favor that God extends to sinners. Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly states that it is by grace we have been saved through faith, highlighting that our salvation is not a result of works, but a gift from God. This emphasizes God's sovereign will in salvation as expressed in Romans 9, where God declares that He will have mercy on whom He wills. This understanding of grace mitigates any reliance on human effort and brings glory solely to God, ensuring that we recognize our total dependence on Christ's obedience and sacrifice for our salvation. Moreover, understanding grace allows believers to rest securely in the assurance that their salvation is guaranteed by God’s promises rather than their performance.