I think this thread have gotten a bit mixed in understanding. Looking at the title it can be "misleading". To earn as well as to deserve something have some similiarities.
earn
(ûrn)
tr.v. earned,
earn·ing,
earns
1. To gain especially for the performance of service, labor, or work: earned money by mowing lawns.
2. To acquire or deserve as a result of effort or action: She earned a reputation as a hard worker.
3. To yield as return or profit: a savings account that earns interest on deposited funds.
Idiom:
earn (one's) spurs/stripes
To gain a position through hard work and the accumulation of experience, often in the face of difficulties.
de·serve
(dĭ-zûrv′)
tr.v. de·served,
de·serv·ing,
de·serves
To be worthy of; merit: She deserves a raise. He deserves to be treated with respect. See Synonyms at
earn.
[Middle English deserven, from Old French deservir, from Latin dēservīre,
to serve zealously : dē-,
intensive pref.; see
de- + servīre,
to serve; see
serve.]
To earn and to deserve something has a lot of the same meaning. We don't really deserve getting the gift of salvation, but it is given to us freely from God! Because of His love and grace for us, and not because we can win any favor from Him.
We are given the opportunity of becoming heirs of His kingdom, through His salvation through His Son Jesus Christ! As long as we are willing to repent and trusting in His Son Jesus Christ! As long as we are willing to giving up our own lives and living a life for Him, becoming new creatures in Christ!
God gives us what we need, and we don't always know what we truly need the most. We have a tendency of building up our own lives based on the influences given from what this world has to offer, and often want things which are in truth bad for us! But God knows exactly what we need, and blesses us with more as well because of His goodness. Yet how we receive it will have a say in this too. Do we show Him thankfulness? Do we rejoice in what He does for us, even during times when it is difficult or seems unfair to us? Where do we keep our eyes fixated on during both good as well as during bad times? Do we keep them fixated on Jesus Christ our Lord?
In truth; our lives are nothing without Christ! We don't deserve God's salvation, yet God offers this for us because of His love and mercy stretched out to us! We owe God nothing! Nothing! Still, God loves us dearly! And we should be greatly thankful before Him every day! As well as for eternity!