How does being an heir of God change our view of merit and works?

The concept of being an heir of God fundamentally alters how we perceive merit and works in relation to salvation. If we are heirs, as described in Galatians 4:7—'So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God'—it implies that our relationship with God and our inheritance of His promises are based on grace rather than human effort. Romans 3:20 clarifies that 'by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight,' reinforcing that our righteousness comes only through faith in Christ, not from our attempts at goodness. This understanding liberates believers from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and opens the door to freely receive the gifts He offers.