I stand by my conclusion in my initial missive. This excerpt suggests that we earn our way into heaven. I'm surprised that I'm alone in commenting on this.
Maranatha,
Bob
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Bob,
 
Let me try this analogy on you:
 
Imagine you had a son who wanted to go to a college or university but couldn't afford the high tuition. So you found a scholarship that totally paid his way and off he went to college. About a few months later you call him to see how he's doing:
 
"Hi son, how are you doing? How do you like college and your classes? Are your professors nice?" How would you feel if he answered something like:
 
"Well, I don't know, Dad, I haven't been to class, I've been working too much at this job I got..." You'd probably say,
 
"What!? You aren't supposed to be working at a job, you're supposed to be in school... What job?" And he answers,
 
Well, I had to get a job to try and pay off the tuition cost of that scholarship... so I haven't been to class yet..." Then you would have the opportunity to explain how the scholarship is a FREE GIFT that does not get paid back.
 
Well, after you convince him to quit working a few months go by and you call again to see how school is going and he answers like this:
 
"Oh, it's great, I've been having a great time. The parties are so fun and the football games are too. There's always something to do and I've met lots of friends..." And you say "Yeah, but how are you doing in your studies?" And he answers "Oh I don't go to class that would be works and you taught me well that it's a free gift and I don't have to work anymore..."
 
You see how there is a confusing between the works to pay off a free gift and the works of EARNING a diploma? The scholarship part is what Jesus provided, the right to go to school as His disciple. But the class work is still a requirement if we want the diploma of being an overcomer.