And all of it, the good and the bad, has been ordained by God for His glory.
Almost impossible to wrap our minds around that fact, but it is a truth that ultimately brings clarity, comfort and Scriptural faithfulness. And gives all the glory to God alone.
It's an interesting question about the good works of a non-believer. Yes, those actions are probably by the Holy Spirit, too, since everything good and righteous comes from God, and this entire universe is sustained by the Holy Spirit. But since anything not of faith is sin, those good works done by non-believers will not save them. They simply exist because it is a fact the rain falls on the just and the unjust.
This is why I really enjoy FR. A question I had never thought of compelled me to return to Scripture to find the answer.
Interesting thought..
I think the question as to the causation of the good deeds should be looked at in light of Gods sovereignty over all things, even the unsaved.. If they are being done because the person needs the attention or accolades of others, or they like to be known as "good people" , or they are some doing them because they believe God keeps a record of them and counts them toward your salvation or because they need to be needed to have purpose..then it is most definably not the Holy Spirit.. They are being preformed for their purpose and their good and not to the glory of God.
That is why God says they are filthy rags, and sin..that is why God says "I never knew you", because they flow not out of the indwelling Holy Spirit, but from mans sinful nature.. PRIDE .
God uses the saved and the unsaved to accomplish His good purpose just as He does Satan.