NCs also make an error in Romans on this same issue. It says you must follow the Law. They think Romans 2&3 lay out two different "plans" for salvation. 1) obey the law perfectly or 2) Christ obeys it for you... so you need to get grafted in to Christ. Since "1" is a "null set" (nobody obeys the law) in their estimation... plan #2 is the only way.
In reality.... there is only ONE PLAN.
What is lacking, both from their assumption, and from your question is an understanding of what is meant by "does good" or "obeys the Law".
The short answer (all you're going to get right now) is that there is no such thing as someone who truly "does good" apart from Christ's work in them. You CAN receive rewards in Heaven (or "OF Heaven") by doing "good works"...
...BUT, there is no such thing as a "good work" in God's eyes that is done apart from being His adopted child. OUR "righteousness" (our best acts done on our own) is nothing more than a creature's behavior seeking favor and is worthless. But the smallest act done out of a return of the love the Father has given us is of incalculable worth.
Clear as mud as usual.
BigMack
... there is no such thing as someone who truly "does good" apart from Christ's work in them.
NC's believe this as well, based upon ...Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
You think he's playing us? :')