Is the reward for works considered grace or debt?
Paul writes that to the one who works, the reward is not reckoned of grace but of debt. Therefore, works place the reward in the category of debt, while grace is not earned. Since we are not under a debt economy and cannot work for salvation, the reward for works is debt, not grace.
Les explains that Romans 4 contrasts grace and debt. Paul adds that the one who works has reward reckoned not of grace but of debt. Les points out we are not under a debt economy; we will never put God in our debt, so we cannot work for salvation, not one iota. The next verse says, "But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him who justifies the ungodly." This connects with Abraham, who was saved by faith plus nothing, and with James, who looks at man's point of view: works show saving faith to others, but God sees faith without works.