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That is my (humble) understanding as well.

Christ said without Him we can do nothing.

But He does want us—with and through Him—to do something, doesn’t He?

“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in..”

He says if you love Him, you will keep His commandments. Love God with all your heart, mind, and soul, and love your neighbor as yourself. Isn’t that works?

If we love Him, and He makes His abode with us, we will bear much fruit, no?

This debate over works is very puzzling to a simpleton like me. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. We all know we are sinners, and we need His mercy to save us.

But if we believe in our salvation, aren’t we bursting with love and thanksgiving and don’t we yearn to do for Him as He wants us to do?

Not for our own glory. He tells us how to do it — let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Your Father who sees you in secret will reward you openly.

Further..

“And when ye shall have DONE all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.”

So we all know we can’t work our way to salvation —all good things are from above. The love in my heart is from above. The cleansing of my putrid soul is from above.

And so when he says, “Inasmuch as ye have done it to the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”, doesn’t that make you want to DO for Him? Out of intense love and thanksgiving?

So you do it, and then you say, I am Thine unprofitable servant. You pray for mercy, you thank Him, and hopefully you do it again tomorrow, Lord willing.

Sorry to go on and on. I just don’t understand what there is to argue about. I am sure I am just stupid.