What does the Bible say about grace and merit?

According to the Scriptures, grace is the unmerited favor of God given to individuals according to His sovereign choice. Merit, on the other hand, implies that one has earned something through their own actions, which contradicts the essence of grace. As stated in 2 Timothy 1:9, God saves and calls us not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace. This distinction emphasizes that God's mercy and grace cannot be earned, for a man cannot be said to deserve mercy. Thus, grace and merit cannot coexist; recognizing this is crucial for understanding God's sovereign grace.