4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2)

Whenever we find these first two words in the Bible, we know we're in for something big: "But God"...  There is a dramatic contrast here to what Paul said in the verses before this about our being lost in sin. Grace starts with the character of God. He is "rich in mercy" - it's like His pockets are so full mercy falls out. He also had the greatest love in all the world - He is willing to do anything for what is best for us, to have us return to the family - He has brought us back to life spiritually in Christ.  That phrase: in Christ, is a signal that grace is nearby, so Paul interjects with enthusiasm - by grace you have been saved - God has done something that you are totally incapable of doing. Because of God's grace in Christ we are raised us up, given us a seat at the table, and is preparing a place for us. We will keep on seeing God's grace flow. Then one of the classic, clear but most profound statements of scripture: 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Even our faith is a gift from God - further evidence of His mercy and love.  And, as we have seen in the series on grace - it keeps on flowing: God has more in store in this life as well: for us to be able to do the good things He wants us to in His plan, which again, we need His help to do.  Grace began a long time ago; it is here and now today, and will go on and on, because grace is what God is like.