[JeffAtlanta]

as if we have the power to do anything anyway of our own

You don't believe that man is judged on his works?

[JamesP81]

You don't believe that man is judged on his works?

All men are judged by their works, but for those in Christ there is no condemnation. If that weren't true, everyone would go to Hell.

However, I don't believe that there is any work or amount of good works that can 'earn' you your salvation. God offers, through Christ, the gift of eternal life. If we accept that gift and choose to follow Him, and if we love him, our decision will be evidenced by good works. Good works are merely an indicator of someone who has received the free gift of salvation; not a method to earn that salvation.

[SoothingDave]

as if we have the power to do anything anyway of our own

You don't believe that man is judged on his works? Here's a hint, Catholics tend to use language very precisely. Hermann did not put in the phrase "of our own" in as a lark, nor did he then follow it with a reference to Pelgaianism.

Works we do without faith and without God's grace can never amount to anything except "filthy rags."

Works done with faith and in cooperation with God's grace can be, literally, soul-changing.

SD

[Hermann the Cherusker]

as if we have the power to do anything anyway of our own

You don't believe that man is judged on his works?

Of course he is. But our power to do them is from God. Judgement on works is based on our cooperation with the grace of God. Those who do not do good are rejecting the Lord and His grace. Those who do good works are cooperating with God and His grace by living in faith.