‘Dead” is only one ANALOGY used of unregenerate man. Could a slave choose freedom, if offered?
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.
Slave, dead, whatever, the fact remains, you are arguing for man to have a power that comes only from God.
We were made alive in Christ from the beginning, all purposed by God. Any work that was done to save us, was all done by Christ.
You don't get any of the glory. Any goodness we have or do, everything we have or do, all comes from the Lord. Why is that so difficult to understand?