Definition:
Relying on grace refers to the dependence on God's unmerited favor and love for salvation, sanctification, and daily living. It emphasizes the belief that human efforts are insufficient for achieving righteousness or favor with God, and that it is only through His grace that believers can experience true spiritual life and growth.

Biblical Foundation:
The concept of relying on grace is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul extensively discusses the role of grace in the life of a believer. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores the foundational Christian belief that salvation is a gift from God, not earned by human effort.

Grace in Salvation:
The doctrine of salvation by grace alone is central to Christian theology. Romans 3:23-24 states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This highlights the universal need for grace due to human sinfulness and the provision of grace through Jesus Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection.

Grace in Sanctification:
Beyond salvation, grace is essential for sanctification—the process of becoming more like Christ. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , Paul recounts the Lord's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This indicates that believers are to rely on God's grace for strength and transformation in their spiritual journey, acknowledging their own weaknesses and God's sufficiency.

Daily Reliance on Grace:
The Christian life is marked by a continual reliance on grace. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This invitation to approach God boldly underscores the availability of grace for every aspect of life, providing help and sustenance in times of need.

Grace and Good Works:
While grace is the foundation of salvation and sanctification, it does not negate the importance of good works. Instead, good works are seen as a response to grace. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life." This suggests that good works are the fruit of a life transformed by grace, not the means to earn it.

The Role of Faith:
Faith is the means by which believers access God's grace. Romans 5:1-2 explains, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we stand." Faith is the channel through which grace flows, enabling believers to stand firm in their relationship with God.

Conclusion:
Relying on grace is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, emphasizing the sufficiency of God's unmerited favor for salvation, sanctification, and daily living. It calls believers to trust in God's provision and power, recognizing that all aspects of the Christian life are sustained by His grace.