[Larry Lucido]

And our ability to choose God was so corrupted (died) on that day that we can only choose evil.

In an ultimate sense, I'd have to concur. We haven't the power to simply decide ourselves into Heaven.

And yet some men (Noah and Abraham come to mind) chose just enough good to get God's attention.

Unless of course you interpose the premise that God, in advance, called these figures and set them on a gooder course than others of their time. But as I recall, scripture says God called Noah because he was already good.

[Gamecock]

Hebrews 11:7By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.

Noah’s righteousness came the same way ours did, by faith.