Two Sides of the Same Coin

(Pro 12:2 KJV)  A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn.

This is a good place to again review how we are to understand scripture.  If this verse stood alone we could develop an understanding of salvation that would mesh very well with the pagan views.  We could read Marcus Aurelius and get on board.  We could put in our thumb and pull out a plumb.  

If we read other verses we could develop a theology that says God does it all from choosing us, giving us faith, causing us to believe and getting us to live righteous lives.  There is little difference from that and being a helpless pawn in the hands of fate.  Do a little reading about the role of the Fates in Greek mythology.

Biblically the answer is to combine the two.  Through the grace of God and the work of the Holy Spirit we can make the choices that determine if we are “good” (2896a) or “evil” (4209).

So?  Trust God and made righteous decisions.