The Christian story is that reality is gift. Creation was given to us (we were given ourselves) without having to do anything to earn or deserve it. Even if the Reformed Tradition didn’t whole-heartedly agree with this point, it would still be necessary for Christians to earnestly affirm it.
God doesn’t need anything from us. He gives. He gave Adam his life, his standing, his wife, a garden at the top of the world, and a future. Grace, ultimately, is simply an aspect of Theism. Cosmic barter is a form of self-deification or atheism.
I suspect that there is more to the theology proper aspect than we suspect.
Those who argue against this remind me of those who would argue with Augustine… “Grant what You command and command what You will?” They ask how can it be both? If it is granted (gracious) then there is no benefit (merit) in obedience. God’s commands are wasted breath or ink as the case may be.
al sends