Dr. E: How so? The definition of a gift is that it is "free." If we pay for something, it is recompense.
Thank you. You just confirmed that the expression 'free gift' is an oxymoron. Something to the effect of a "more perfect Union..." or "at 9 AM in the morning." A gift is a gift only if it is free, so the expression "free gift" a redundancy, suggesting that there could be a gift that is not free.
I hope you realize that the Greek original has no such expression. The word used is "charisma" (grace) in at least two of your three references. The third one doesn't even have 'charisma' or any form of a gift in it.
KJV does it again...
An oxymoron are two words used together that contradict one another, yet convey a meaning like "Jumbo Shrimp". A redundant expression is one that repeats itself such as "those cars". The term "free gift" is neither an oxymoron or redundant.
If you think a gift is always free, I'd be happy to send you some of my mail where I'll receive my "free gift" if I spend $25 in their store or if I include $9.95 for shipping and handling to receive my "free gift". That is more in line with the Orthodox/Catholic concept of a free gift. The gift is given but you must work for it and earn it. You are required to pay something for it. In the end it's really not free and it's not a gift.
Protestants believe this gift is "free". It's a "(divine) gratuity", "deliverance", "a (spiritual) endowment" to use the Greek dictionary for "free gift". I especially like the term "endowment" because it implies giving something to us which is precisely what God does. He imputes righteousness to us, causings us to walk in his steps. He endows us with certain abilities and attributes that will cause us to walk in His path and be obedient. This is an endowment that He gives to us believers.
As you can see, these are two completely separate models.