1. Created sinless and in God’s favor, but with the ability to sin
Made in the image of God and given favor (grace) in His Creation – Gen. 1:26
Given food to sustain life – Gen. 1:29
Tree of life
Tree of the knowledge of good and evil – given a choice
Gen. 2:9
Genesis 1:26 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."
Genesis 1:29 And God said, "See, I have given you every herb that yields seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every tree whose fruit yields seed; to you it shall be for food.
Genesis 2:9 And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Genesis 2: And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; (17) but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."

2. The ability to sin is from God
Free volition and given a choice – Gen. 2:16-17
No law, no transgression – Rom. 4:15
God’s law is not evil – Rom. 7:7
Man is the problem – Rom. 7:12-13
God’s law is not the cause of our sin, we are, but it does give us an means to sin
Genesis 2: And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; (17) but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
Romans 4:15 for where there is no law there is no transgression.
Romans 7:7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, "YOU SHALL NOT COVET.“
Romans 7: Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. (13) Has then what is good become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, that it might appear sin, was producing death in me through what is good, so that sin through the commandment might become exceedingly sinful.

3. The guilt of sin is self induced
Sin is something we do, not inherit – Ezek. 18:20
Thoughts, words, and deeds – Mark 7:20-23
We are all sinners – Rom. 3:23
Ezekiel 18:20 The soul who sins shall die. The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself.
Mark 7: And he said, "What comes out of a person is what defiles him. (21) For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, (22) coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. (23) All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person."
Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

4. The guilt of sin is self induced
Sin is something we do, not inherit – Ezek. 18:20
Thoughts, words, and deeds – Mark 7:20-23
We are all sinners – Rom. 3:23
We are all worthless – Rom. 3: 12
Curse of the law – Gal. 3:10
Romans 3:12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.“
Worthless or unprofitable – akh-ri-o'-o “1) make useless, render unserviceable 1a) of character” (Thayer)
Comes from the Greek word akh-ri'-os “useless, that is, (euphemistically) unmeritorious: - unprofitable.” (Strong)
Galatians 3:10 For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them."

5. What I deserve because of my sin
Wages of sin is death – Rom. 6:23
Utterly perish – 2 Peter 2:12-13
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
op-so'-nee-on – “rations for a soldier, that is, (by extension) his stipend or pay: - wages.” (Strong)
2 Peter 2: But these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, (13) and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing in their own deceptions while they feast with you,
mis-thos‘ – “pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad: - hire, reward, wages.” (Strong)

6. What I deserve because of my sin
Wages of sin is death – Rom. 6:23
Utterly perish – 2 Peter 2:12-13
This not what God wants for us
“Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt”
Rom. 4:2-5
Romans 4:2-5 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. (3) For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS ACCOUNTED TO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS." (4) Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. (5) But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
“Wages” – mis-thos‘ – “pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad: - hire, reward, wages.” (Strong’s)
“Counted” – logizomai: log-id'-zom-ahee – “to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over” (Thayer’s)
The context – The “works” of Romans 4 refer to keeping the Law of Moses and the Jews’ warped view of its place in pleasing God.
They had become very legalistic in their approach to service and thought keeping the Law was good enough to merit their salvation.

7. Law standing alone cannot save us
The Law of Moses
The Ten Commandments
Laws of worship and sacrifice
Laws of morality
Laws of social interaction
Traditions
The Law of Christ
Hear and believe
Repent
Confess
Baptized
Worship and service
Faithfulness
They had become very legalistic in their approach to service and thought keeping the Law was good enough to merit their salvation.
They de-emphasized God’s love and grace.
We can do all that the Law of Christ says and it will not save us without God’s love and grace.

8. We have no reason for pride
Gratitude and humility should wrap our success – Daniel 4:30 & Daniel 4:37
Pride bring us low, while humility lifts us up – Prov. 29:23
Pride bring shame, while humility brings wisdom – Prov. 11:2
God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble – James 4:6
Daniel 4:30 The king spoke, saying, "Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for a royal dwelling by my mighty power and for the honor of my majesty?"
Daniel 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down.
Proverbs 29:23 A man's pride will bring him low, But the humble in spirit will retain honor.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride comes, then comes shame; But with the humble is wisdom.
James 4:6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "GOD RESISTS THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

9. All that we are and can be comes from God’s grace (favor)
Romans 12:3-8
Romans 12:3-8 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (4) For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, (5) so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. (6) Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; (7) or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; (8) he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

10. Grace defined: (charis)
“graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act.” (especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) (Strong’s)
“1) grace 1a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech 2) good will, loving-kindness, favour” (Thayer’s)
Charis - khar'-ece
From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude): - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy). (Strong’s)
Charis
Thayer’s Definition:
1) Grace 1a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech
2) good will, loving-kindness, favour 2a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
3) what is due to grace 3a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace 3b) the token or proof of grace, benefit 3b1) a gift of grace 3b2) benefit, bounty
4) thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

11. English definitions often reflect modern usages.
“1. The exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor; disposition to benefit or serve another; favor bestowed or privilege conferred.”
“2. (Theol.) The divine favor toward man; the mercy of God, as distinguished from His justice; also, any benefits His mercy imparts; divine love or pardon; a state of acceptance with God; enjoyment of the divine favor.” (Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1913)
A very close definition to the one Strong and Thayer gives.
However, consider a more modern from Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th ed.

12. English definitions often reflect modern usages.
“1. beauty or charm of form, composition, movement, or expression
2. an attractive quality, feature, manner, etc.
4a. a sense of what is right and proper; decency
4b. thoughtfulness toward others
5. goodwill; favor
11.Theol.
a. the unmerited love and favor of God toward mankind” (Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed.)

13. Biblical commentary about God’s grace
Divine favor comes from Godly qualities
Goodwill to others at the expense of self – Cor. 8:9
2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.

14. Biblical commentary about God’s grace
Divine favor comes from Godly qualities
Goodwill to others at the expense of self – Cor. 8:9
God’s gift is His Son – Rom. 5:15-19
The gift of Christ was an expression of God’s unmerited favor – given to all men
Romans 5: But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. (16) And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification. (17) For if by the one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.) (18) Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. (19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous.
Charisma char'-is-mah from khar-id'-zom-ahee - “a (divine) gratuity, that is, deliverance (from danger or passion); (specifically) a (spiritual) endowment, that is, (subjectively) religious qualification, or (objectively) miraculous faculty: - (free) gift.” (Strong)

15. Biblical commentary about God’s grace
Godly favor comes from Divine qualities
Expression of God’s nature and feelings for man in the provisions given – Rom. 8:32
God’s grace demonstrates His righteousness – Rom. 3:23-28
Romans 8:32 He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
Charizomai khar-id'-zom-ahee A form charis – “to grant as a favor, that is, gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue: - deliver, (frankly) forgive, (freely) give, grant.” (Strong)
What was freely given? His Son.
Romans 3: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, (25) whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, (26) to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (27) Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. (28) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
Demonstrates: “1) demonstration, proof 1a) manifestation made by act 1b) sign, evidence” (Thayer)

16. I have no power to save myself without God’s mercy, love and grace
Eph. 2:4-5 & 8-10
Mercy defined: “kindness or good will”
Love defined: “affection, good will”
Ephesians 2:4-5 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, (5) even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast. (10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Mercy: “kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them” (Thayer)
Love: “brotherly love, affection, good will, love, benevolence” (Thayer)

17. I have no power to save myself without God’s mercy, love and grace
Eph. 2:4-5 & 8-10
Mercy defined: “kindness or good will”
Love defined: “affection, good will”
Grace defined:- khar'-ece “good will, loving- kindness, favour” (never defined as unmerited favor by Strong, Thayer, or Vines)
Ephesians 2:8-10 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, (9) not of works, lest anyone should boast. (10) For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Grace: khar'-ece “good will, loving-kindness, favour” (Thayer)
Gift: dōron “A present; specifically a sacrifice: - gift, offering.” (Strong’s)
Work: ergon “toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication an act:” (Strong’s)

18. Two Parts of Salvation God’s Part Man’s Part No one is saved
Nature of our creation
His plan to save
Available to all
Christ
Revelation
Love, grace, mercy
Man’s Part
Hear and believe
Repent
Confess
Baptized
Worship and service
Faithfulness
No one is saved

19. Two Parts of Salvation God’s Part God’s Part Man’s Part Man’s Part
Nature of our creation
His plan to save
Available to all
Christ
Revelation
Love, grace, mercy
God’s Part Man’s Part
Nature of our creation Hear and believe
His plan to save Repent
Available to all Confess
Christ Baptized
Revelation Worship and service
Love, grace, mercy Faithfulness
Man’s Part
Hear and believe
Repent
Confess
Baptized
Worship and service
Faithfulness

20. Our works certainly have something to do with salvation
God judges according to each one’s work – Peter 1:17
Faith without works is dead – James 2:20
Justified by works, and not by faith only – James 2:24
Work out your own salvation – Phil. 2:12-13
1 Peter 1:17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one's work, conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear;
James 2:20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?
James 2:24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.
Philippians 2: Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; (13) for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

21. Salvation is not a debt God owes us!
Then how do we explain 2 John 1:8 – Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward.
Revelation 22:12 "And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
Worked ergazomai Thayer Definition: 1) to work, labour, do work 2) to trade, to make gains by trading, “do business” 3) to do, work out 3a) exercise, perform, commit 3b) to cause to exist, produce 4) to work for, earn by working, to acquire
Reward misthos Thayer Definition: 1) dues paid for work 1a) wages, hire2) reward: used of the fruit naturally resulting from toils and endeavours 2a) in both senses, rewards and punishments 2b) of the rewards which God bestows, or will bestow, upon good deeds and endeavours 2c) of punishments
Reward pay for service (literally or figuratively), good or bad: - hire, reward, wages. (Strong)
Ergon Thayer Definition: 1) business, employment, that which any one is occupied 1a) that which one undertakes to do, enterprise, undertaking 2) any product whatever, any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind 3) an act, deed, thing done: the idea of working is emphasised in opp. to that which is less than work

22. Calvinist Grace:
From:
“Grace is defined as favor, blessing, or goodwill offered by one who does not need to do so. It is unearned and undeserved favor. In our sinful condition as humans, undeserving as we are of God's love, it is God's goodwill and favor reaching out to redeem us.”
We have value because God created us with value.
Psalms 8:4-5 What is man that You are mindful of him, And the son of man that You visit him? (5) For You have made him a little lower than the angels, And You have crowned him with glory and honor.
God loved us enough to send His Son.

23. Do we bring any value to God?
Do we merit salvation?
Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.‘
Do we bring any value to God?
Philippians 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Merit: “1.the state, fact, or quality of deserving well or, sometimes, ill; desert 2.worth; value; excellence 3.something deserving reward, praise, or gratitude 4.a reward or honor given for superior qualities or conduct; mark, badge, etc. awarded for excellence” (Webster's New World College Dictionary, 4th Ed)
Value that He give us for the work He wants us to do.
Earn: 1a :  to receive as return for effort and especially for work done or services rendered b :  to bring in by way of return <bonds earning 10 percent interest> 2a :  to come to be duly worthy of or entitled or suited to <she earned a promotion> b :  to make worthy of or obtain for <the suggestion earned him a promotion>
Earn or merit means that the service is comparable to the reward.
Who decides if the service is comparable to the reward.
Matt. 20:1-16