“I’m believing based on consideration of ALL the pertinent verses, not just a selected few. I find that the more plausible approach.”
Believing based on ALL the pertinent verses is precisely what you aren’t doing. Rome distorts select verses to maintain her system. And let’s be honest, that’s what she must do. Rome would fall if she were judged by the full counsel of the Word.
Except here I am putting forth these additional verses without ignoring the others. You, on the other hand, are doing much to avoid the ones I cite. Go figure.
Rome distorts select verses to maintain her system.
The verse I cited (and others like it) make a clear connection between works and salvation. Rome isn't the one twisting here.
let’s be honest, that’s what she must do. Rome would fall if she were judged by the full counsel of the Word.
That's your conceit. Honesty to me points in a different direction.