Perhaps that's your problem. We're exhorted to read the Bible more than "once in a while."
And when we depend on Scripture as our guide, we learn that good works are the fruit of the Spirit, gifts of God, and not something we do in order to merit salvation. No creature merits salvation.
But thank God, "Mercy triumphs over Justice." (James 2:13.)
"And the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your offspring, so that you will love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live." (Deuteronomy 30:5-7) "...to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins an d an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me." (Acts 26:18). "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit with in you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." (Ezekiel 36:26) "Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee." (Psalm 65:4)"...the great trials that your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders. But to this day the LORD has not given you a heart to understand or eyes to see or ears to hear." (Deuteronomy 29:3-4)
"I say that man, before he is renewed into the new creation of the Spirit's kingdom, does and endeavours nothing to prepare himself for that new creation and kingdom, and when he is re-created has does and endeavors nothing towards his perseverance in that kingdom; but the Spirit alone works both blessings in us, regenerating us, and preserving us when regenerate, without ourselves..." Martin Luther (Bondage of the Will pg. 268)
"Indeed the Word of God is like the sun, shining upon all those to whom it is proclaimed, but with no effect among the blind. Now, all of us are blind by nature in this respect... Accordingly, it cannot penetrate into our minds unless the Spirit, as the inner teacher, through his illumination makes entry for it." (Calvin's Institutes 3.2.34.)
Yup. Still, works are necessary. The Bible tells me so. See my 6283.
The rest of your supply of quotes, as usual, does not speak to the issue you yourself raised.
And when we depend on Scripture as our guide, we learn that good works are the fruit of the Spirit, gifts of God, and not something we do in order to merit salvation. No creature merits salvation.
But thank God, "Mercy triumphs over Justice." (James 2:13.)
Doc, you really need to work on your reading comprehention. Because in the next 13 (thirteen!) passages (vs 14-26), James goes on a rant about how faith without works does not save.