Why is reliance on grace essential for Christians?

Grace is at the heart of the Gospel, illustrating that salvation is entirely of God. As described in Romans 8:3, 'For what the law could not do... God sending his own Son...' emphasizes that our efforts fail to overcome sin and death. Hence, grace serves to humble us, reminding us of our total dependence on Christ's redemptive work. Understanding grace also cultivates gratitude and motivates true obedience born from love and appreciation of what Christ accomplished. The power of the Gospel rests in God's grace, providing believers assurance of salvation and the ability to live righteously, as reflected in 2 Corinthians 5:21, where Christ was made sin for us that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.