I hear all the time from Baptists, Evangelicals, etc. that God does 99% of what we need for salvation but we have to exert that 1% - that faith is mostly a gift from God but there is part of it we must do, out of our own willpower and goodness and strength. You realy have to “mean business” enough, you have to be sincere enough, you have to be strong enough, you have to make yourself pure enough. But somehow a soul dead in trespasses and sins must first start to quicken itself out of its own power and God will see that and finish the job.
Man’s way of righteousness is impossible, whereas God’s way is possible.
Ever driven up a mountain? If you just point your car at the top and hit the gas, you’ll find it’s impossible. But if there’s a road that switchbacks and curves around, you can drive up it. (Not the best analogy, I’m sure, but I hope it makes the point.)
Man’s only way of righteousness is perfection in law-keeping - being able to enter a “not guilty” plea before the Judge. God’s way of righteousness is forgiveness - entering a plea of “guilty as charged” and throwing ourselves on the mercy of the Court. And if the Judge sets out conditions for our acquittal, we jump at them with eagerness and gratitude.
Does that help any?