Ephesians 2:4-5

The Catholic Church teaches that we have been saved by grace highlighting a core belief in salvation as a free gift from God, rooted in His mercy and love. Salvation is not something that can be earned through human effort; rather, it is granted through God's unmerited favor, known as grace. While salvation is by grace alone, the Church emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the means of accepting this gift. The sacraments, particularly baptism, play a crucial role in this process, marking the beginning of an individual's journey in faith. Furthermore, the Church teaches that human cooperation with grace is essential. Individuals must actively respond to God's invitation by living according to His commandments and engaging in good works, which are expressions of their faith. The scope of salvation is universal; it is available to all who positively respond to God's grace and truth throughout their lives.

In essence, the Catholic understanding of being "saved by grace" reflects a balance where God's grace initiates salvation, while faith and good works are vital for living out that salvation in everyday life.