We are incapable of doing the works of God in and of ourselves.
We cannot do it, therefore, we need Christ and His imputed righteousness.
Where do you believe this division will occur, where Jesus says depart from me you workers of iniquity?
Those entering Heaven will be those who do God’s will. That is a statement of fact, not causation. What causes us to be accounted righteous in God’s eyes? What is the basis of our justification? It is impossible to conclude from apostolic testimony in Scripture that adherence to a behavioral code, no matter how good, can justify anyone. Jesus and Paul are not in opposition. They are both teaching divine truth, just different aspects of it. The Pharisees were off base for thinking they could rewrite the divine law, because that is just another way of ignoring it. But Paul is also right to say we cannot meet the law’s requirements apart from becoming a new creation in Christ, identified with Him in both His death and in His righteous life. Putting those two realities in opposition to each other is a false dilemma. Like the man in the back row who couldn’t bear to look heavenward, the only ones going home justified are those who have given up on themselves and put all their trust in Christ. Those who are preoccupied with listing to God all the reasons God should be happy with them will be disappointed with the results of that strategy. It’s what Jesus said, so I believe it.
Peace,
SR