It is the disease of corrupted human nature to hope and strive for eternal life through the covenant of works….. Men set too high a value on their performances. Sinful creatures (men) would rather have God in their debt and so purchase righteousness and eternal joy. They do not want it simply given to them by God’s sovereign bounty; instead, they hope to attain it by an obligation … (by God) for the “value” of their works.

From the book “Boundlessly Good”