Winman,
Correct me if I am wrong, I do not see you anywhere claiming that "works" is some sort of prerequisite for one being saved. I interpret your statements as meaning that when one possesses a saving faith, then "works" are a natural reaction to God's grace and salvation. And yes, I agree that "works" that we do throughout our lives will be at least one of the variables that God will use when passing judgment upon us.
I do not believe that 100% of what an unsaved, unregenerate person does is evil. If everything an unsaved person does is sin, this makes God's commands nonsensical. If it is just as much a sin to tell the truth as it is to tell a lie, why is the law necessary to condemn a man? If it is just as sinful to be honest as it is to be a thief, then why command men not to steal? You are a sinner no matter what you do, even if you obey God's commands. How can this be just?
So, IMHO to believe everything an unsaved person does is sin is nonsensical to say the least.
And to trust Jesus is to OBEY the gospel. So, if you believe an unregenerate person can trust Jesus and be born again, you must believe an unsaved person capable of doing some righteous acts. Is trusting Jesus a sin? Absurd!
Rom 10:16 But they have not all
obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Trusting Jesus is an act of obedience, not trusting Jesus is an act of disobedience. So, if you are not a Calvinist, you must believe man has the ability to obey God.
Does this work earn salvation? No, because any righteous acts a man does are negated by sin.
Jam 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
This verse is ridiculous if everything an unsaved man does is sin.
Continued...