Merit certainly is an issue. In the book of Matthew, Jesus speaks on several occasions about the rewards that shall be given unto men by God, and it is clear from the context that he is talking about eternal life.
Does God "reward" His children for acts over which they supposedly have no control or choice in the matter? As the dictionary puts it:
"Rewards and punishments presuppose moral agency, and something voluntarily done, well or ill; without which respect, though we may receive good, it is only a benefit and not a reward."
And, for what it's worth, Paul uses the word "reward" in the same manner in several places.
Or do the scriptures say "reward" and just not mean it?
If your question still stands, my answer still stands.
I am trying to figure out if we are talking about the same thing..I am saying that man can do NOTHING to merit his salvation.The defination of grace says it all
Grace is God's Unmerited favor
Ephesians 2
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
On works it continues
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
I believe there are indeed "rewards" for our faithfulness and obedience....In the OT God asks "Is not obedience better than sacrifice?"
Our obedience (in "works)is in response to our salvation ,and in obedience to Him..it merits noting toward our salvation..