[HarleyD]

I believe the two terms are synonymous.This is based on the idea that man actually is being transformed and being made righteous/sanctified. With that understanding, would you agree?

Righteousness and sanctification is not used synonymously in scripture. The scriptures uses sanctified in both senses; that Christians are sanctified and are continuously being sanctified. However, righteousness and justification is used only in a past tense sort of way. It is a one time act. So, no, I would not agree.

God instills within us the desire to submit, so even that is not our OWN work.

Exactly, none of it is our work. It is all Christ's work through us.

You seem to over-emphasize God's work and under-emphasize our response. I believe the Council of Trent spoke against this.

Yes, the Council of Trent spoke against the over-emphasis of God's work. They were wrong.

When King Jehoshaphat was attacked and he sought the Lord, God told King Jehoshaphat that he wouldn't have to lift a finger, God would fight for Him. Same way with Gideon. And numerous other people in scripture. He makes ax heads float, part seas, and keep the oil running when it should have run out all without us lifting a finger.

God works all things for OUR good. All He wants is us to believe in Him. It's that simple and that complex.

[jo kus]

Righteousness and sanctification is not used synonymously in scripture. The scriptures uses sanctified in both senses; that Christians are sanctified and are continuously being sanctified. However, righteousness and justification is used only in a past tense sort of way. It is a one time act. So, no, I would not agree.

On three different occasions, Abraham was declared righteous. While there is a first time declaration, God declared Abraham righteous again and again as Abraham continued to show his faith in the Lord - and each time, he was credited with righteousness. No, righteousness is not a one-time acquisition. We continually gain righteousness by our God-driven acts of love and faith.

"For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." Mat 5:20

"Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven." Mat 6:1

Exactly, none of it is our work. It is all Christ's work through us.

No, you are forgetting the Bible speaks of synergy with God. No matter how you slice it, God and men work together.

God works all things for OUR good. All He wants is us to believe in Him. It's that simple and that complex.

Faith is not merely an intellectual assent of the mind. It is a conversion of the will to do His will. It involves a change in our life, not an abstract intellectual exercise that means nothing in our lives. Thus, when people have faith, they MUST have works to go along with that. Believing involves action, a response to God on our part.

Regards