Admittedly the last dime was not a great amount compared with the gifts of the royal family, but it was that dime which secured his reprieve. Even if we think that the contribution which we must make toward our salvation is as small as that dime, it is inevitable that it will seem more important and precious to us than the merit of Jesus Christ. Of course, the Scriptures are full of the call to action and a life of good works. The Christian stands in need of as much forgiving grace at the end of his life as at the beginning-only he is more conscious of his need at the end than at the beginning. Some Types of Arminianism.
Human nature persists in making some contribution toward salvation.
It does not mean that we can be justified on account of our faith any more than we can be justified on account of regeneration, sanctification, good works, love or any other subjective quality. There is no merit in faith itself. The saving virtue is not in the faith but in the Object of faith. Faith is merely the instrumental cause of salvation. He shows that we may believe because we have been predestined and called by God's grace.