The problem with systematic theology is that it injects human ideas and wisdom into areas God has not expressly revealed. More time reading scripture and applying it to one’s life is preferable to any amount of ‘theology’.
Scripture clearly teaches that we can do nothing to save ourselves. It teaches that God has reached down and made salvation possible. It teaches we must respond in faith, and if we do so truly, we are born again - a new creation. That new creation is changed, but sin still holds us back. The call to obedience isn’t one of ‘let God do the work’, but to accept the work God has done and try to obey Him.
If your life goes unchanged, you are not a Christian no matter how much faith you claim. If you are a Christian, you will still struggle with sin, and scripture is full of exhortations to obey. If it was easy, there would be no need for the exhortations.
The problem with works is that no man can work his way to heaven. The problem with faith is that many claim faith but refuse to take up their cross and follow Jesus.
Paul said it well:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2
Congratulations! In your post you are practicing systematic theology!
It teaches we must respond in faith, and if we do so truly, we are born again - a new creation.
Actually, it teaches we are born again, then we respond in faith. Grace proceeds faith.
When you say, Scripture clearly teaches that we can do nothing to save ourselves. You are 100% right. Grace proceeds faith. We add nothing to salvation but our sin.
I don't disagree with a single word of the rest of your post.