Is this love?

[Beanieboy]

Helping the poor and the less-fortunate aren't rituals either, but they're frequently cited as "works." If the bit about "works" isn't meant to convey that doing good deeds and behaving in a morally-positive manner won't get a person into heaven, please explain what it means instead.

I'd like to jump in here and give my take on it.
I am dating Too Curious. I call when I have time. I put in the minimal effort I have to, because TC loves me. I don't cheat on TC, so isn't that enough?
TC says, "You don't love me. See you."
I say, "Yes, I do!!!"
TC says, "How? How did you show me you loved me? Did you care about me? Call me? Listen to my problems? Give me company? What, if anything, have you done?"
I say, "Do? I was supposed to do something? I already love you. I don't cheat on you. Isn't that enough?"
TC says, "You don't love me."
Faith without works.


I am dating Too Curious. I want TC to be my partner. I buy TC dinner, buy presents, do little things. TC isn't sure whether the love is mutual. I say, "You have to love me! You owe me! I did stuff for you!" But TC owes me nothing, because the gifts and acts of kindness should have come without strings.
Works without faith

I am dating Too Curious. I focus on demonstrating my love for TC, and often buy dinner, call to see how things are, remember what TC had said when buying a thoughtful gift, and faithful because I want to strengthen the relationship, and give without ever expecting anything in return. The more I do it, the more thoughtful I become, the better person I become, and I feel myself growing in love. TC, in turn, loves my loving nature, my thoughtfulness, and is moved.
TC says, "You love me."
I say, "very much."
TC says, "I know. I see it in what you do everyday. You demonstrate your love."
I say, "It's not work. I'm inspired. It makes me happy to make you happy. Everything I do for you is a gift to me as well."
TC says, "I'm moved. I know that you love me, and don't need ask. If you look, I said it as a statement."
I say, "Again, it comes naturally from the heart. You make my heart love. It's as much you as me."
Works+Faith.

 

[PastorJim]

Helping the poor and the less-fortunate aren't rituals either, but they're frequently cited as "works." If the bit about "works" isn't meant to convey that doing good deeds and behaving in a morally-positive manner won't get a person into heaven, please explain what it means instead.

Which verse are you referring to?

Are you saying, then, that a person does not consciously choose to repent his sins and accept Christ?

No.

But if the "goats" are unable to choose to repent and accept Christ, it is not their fault, because they were unable to do otherwise. After all, if they did these things, they wouldn't be "goats," right?

Everyone has the opportunity to repent. If they didn't, then the Bible wouldn't tell us that God calls all men to repent.

But if they can't choose to do these things, and God chooses not to give them this "gift," it's God who chooses to condemn them. Based on what you've just said.

It's God who chooses to condemn them, anyway.