Why is sovereign grace important in understanding the gospel?

Sovereign grace is a foundational concept in Reformed theology that highlights God's unmerited favor towards His elect. The rejection experienced by Jesus in Nazareth illustrates the difference between those who are self-righteous and those who acknowledge their need for grace. The gospel is not merely an offer of salvation; it is the work of God who delivers those who are spiritually poor and captive. This grace frees believers from the bondage of sin and self-sufficiency, underscoring the sovereignty of God in salvation and the necessity of depending on Christ's work on the cross rather than personal merit.