Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: