[WriteOn]

Now, under any definition I would say that he meant alone without works, or merit (Eph.2:9)

I think that your definition admits the heresy of antinomianism. I could be persuaded otherwise.

[fortheDeclaration]

Now, under any definition I would say that he meant alone without works, or merit (Eph.2:9) I think that your definition admits the heresy of antinomianism. I could be persuaded otherwise.

Even those Protestants who deny eternal security (which are most of them) accept the fact that salavation must be a free gift not a work that you earn (Rom.6:23)

It is simply by faith because it is a gift, not a work that we can take credit for (Rom.4:4-5)