[HarleyD]

Where I think we would disagree is that any works we do comes from our Lord Jesus working through us by His Spirit. You neglected to include the following:

You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. John 15:3,4

These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. John 15:11

Christ wants us to abide in Him simply so that we will have His joy. This joy manifests itself though our works. Abiding is not an effort or something that we need to focus on. It is simply spending time with Christ and resting in His promise.

I'm reminded of Mary and Martha.

[jo kus]

Where I think we would disagree is that any works we do comes from our Lord Jesus working through us by His Spirit. You neglected to include the following:

I don't disagree with it at all! That is why I used the Lord's description of the relationship between Jesus and man. There is no doubt an interaction between God and man, one led and initiated by God, but participated in by man nonetheless. Note, a BRANCH WITHOUT FRUIT is cut AWAY. Thus, the vine provides the necessary nourishment and ability to grow fruit to the branch. It is the branch that "decides" whether to respond or not. If we provide fruit, it is from God, but it doesn't bypass us...

Christ wants us to abide in Him simply so that we will have His joy. This joy manifests itself though our works.

No doubt. And without these works, you won't be saved, as your joy will not be complete and you will be cut away (and Paul says the same to the Romans).

I'm reminded of Mary and Martha.

Immediately before the Lucan story of Martha and Mary, note the Sacred Writ describes the Good Samaritan. BOTH means are necessary to come to God - our contemplation and faith in God and our love for our neighbor.

Regards