Replies

There is no point in posting Scriptures on this issue - because there are dozens and dozens of them that tell of men being righteous (as a result of God, of course).
Which is the point. We can only ever be righteous people as a result of God's work in our lives. The best of the best of us, our righteousness is still filthy rags. Our hearts are continually set towards evil. We are not wounded as a result of the fall. We are dead. I know you say not to post Scriptures, but it isn't my opinion that I am posting. My stance means nothing. Scripture means everything, so I will not adhere to that particular request. The Bible does not call the lost "righteous," but the saved. Only by the work of the Holy Spirit are we brought from death to life everlasting - and it is NOT of us. It's all about God. It's all Him.

Ephesians 2

1And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;

2Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:

3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

4But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.

8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

9Not of works, lest any man should boast.

10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

We can only ever be righteous people as a result of God's work in our lives. The best of the best of us, our righteousness is still filthy rags. Our hearts are continually set towards evil.

I am not denying that. I agree with you that man can never ascend to God on his own. When a person is said to be righteous, it is because God has made him so - and not by merely declaring some legal status. God MAKES us righteous internally, as the Spirit comes to us and makes us a new creation. Thus, it is not an "either/or" - either me or God. It is both - God and I cooperating. I am given the grace to obey God and I am expected to obey Him. That is the basis for my upcoming judgment. Did I utilize the gifts God has given me. The parable of the Talents clearly shows this judgment and the interaction that exists between God's gifts and man's response.

The mere fact that we are judged shows that man is involved in the equation - as God desires ALL men to be saved. Since some are not, obviously some men do not respond. Thus, man is part of the equation on who is to be saved.

Regards