Whenever I've got the time and the urge I try to broaden my theological mind. For some time now I've been reading Christian Theology: An Introduction by Alister E. McGrath.

When treating Luther's view on justification he writes "[...] it is not necessary to be perfectly righteous to be a Christian. Sin does not point to unbelief, or a failure on the part of God; rather, it points to the continued need to entrust one's person to the gentle care of God".
Not far from Smeagol's experience with Frodo? He is used to trust in Gollum and his tricks and selfishness, but realizes that Frodo has something that Gollum, whoever that might be, has not. "Master looks after us now". Smeagol still fights Gollum, but he's on the way. Entrusting himself to his Master. Not without fallbacks though.

And how does the sinner really achieve righteousness? He cannot. Both Augustine and Luther agrees that everything has been made ready by God. Even faith is a gift we'll never deserve. However, God has committed himself to let us choose freely. Probably not an easy decision. Even if the gift of faith is free, it is not necessarily carried lightly. And of course God has a solution for this problem too. He will carry the sinner. Just listen to Sam standing at the foot of nothing less than Mount Doom: "Come Mr. Frodo! I can't carry it for you, but I can carry you and it as well." Frodo makes it to the top of Mount Doom, but what about the ring? His sinful nature. Frodo isn't even able to let go of that. It takes the sacrifice of a life to get rid of the ring. It has to be taken from him by force. By the one who is sacrificed for our sake.

Well then. What is left for us to do? Besides being carried to the place where our sinful nature can be taken from us, by force? Not much, I'm afraid. All we can do is to accept the work that has already been done for us. Which isn't the easiest thing to do, considering our pride and stubbornness.

Which leads us to one of Augustine's favourite biblical texts. John 15:5: "apart from me you can do nothing."