Why is it essential to understand grace in relation to works?

In the context of salvation, it's crucial to recognize that grace is unmerited favor from God toward sinners. Titus 3:5 states that we are not saved by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy. When we grasp the depth of God's grace, we understand that our attempts to achieve goodness through our actions are insufficient. Instead, grace points us to Christ, who fulfilled the law and provides righteousness to those who believe. This truth liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through our works and establishes a foundation of hope and assurance in what Christ accomplished on our behalf.