Why must we rely on God's mercy for salvation?

Relying on God's mercy is fundamental to understanding our need for salvation. Scripture, particularly in Titus 3:5, pinpoints that our salvation does not stem from our own righteousness, but is a product of God's mercy. This mercy underscores the nature of God as one who, despite our sins, provides a path to reconciliation through Christ. The acknowledgment of our inability to achieve salvation on our own motivates us to trust fully in the gracious provision of God, which results in true peace and assurance of eternal life. It highlights that God initiated this great work and that our responses are merely expressions of gratitude for His mercy.