Note that you no longer are reading any scripture. You are not because the scripture does not support this false dichotomy. You are instead following a teaching of men -- a logic that is appealing to you, but not the message communicated in the Gospel, which never separates works from faith:
8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, for it is the gift of God; 9 Not of works, that no man may glory. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus in good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2)
Well Spoken!
What I find odd is that you use a proof text that proves OUR point. It is NOT by works, it is by faith. And how do you get that faith? Through Jesus who calls you by name. You don’t do ANYTHING. It is NOT of yourselves, but God alone, through faith alone. It is NOT of works, so that man may say “See what I have done? I have approached God.” Even our “good works” demonstrate the faith that God puts in us, and does not demonstrate how much we have aspired to be with God. They are works GOD has prepared for us.
Again, thanks for OUR proof text :>)
May God be with you all. Irishtenor.