Why is it significant that salvation is not based on human effort?

The doctrine that salvation is not based on human effort is foundational to Reformed theology, emphasizing that it is by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone (as reflected in Ephesians 2:8-9). The preacher draws attention to the fictitious idea that one can earn favor with God through their merit, reaffirming that, like Jehoram, who did evil despite his father's righteous example, salvation is not inherited through bloodlines or personal achievements. Rather, it is God's sovereign mercy that saves His people, affirming the idea that it is 'not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy' (Romans 9:16). This truth frees believers from the burden of striving for salvation and enables them to rest in Christ's completed work.