We are saved by a work of Christ's faith or labor of Christ's love. He works his works in us to both will and perform his good pleasure .It is God who can make our hearts soft .He performs that which is appointed to us according to Job 23:11-16
My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined.Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, "even that he doeth". For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him. For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:Job 23
The James 2 account below when understood correctly .I will paraphrase it according to my understanding in blue
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. James 2:21-23
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?Seest thou how Christ's faith wrought with Christ's works, and by Christ's works was Christ's work of faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was "imputed" unto Abraham for righteousness: and Abraham was called the Friend of God. James 2:21-23