Romans 4:4

English Standard Version 2016

Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.

See the chapter Copy

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,

“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”

and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,