I don't know if we're on same page or not, because I still do understand your reply.
I don't understand what you mean by the "how I should approach my reply"? If you would, I
would appreciate a simple answer as to what you believe the meaning of those verses are - verses that you referenced.
IOW -do you believe the obtaining of a true faith, can/must only come from it being given to someone from/by God's work, as the verses that you referenced clearly state - is that the "work" you are referring to? And if so, are you then also saying you believe the possibility would still exist that, even after receiving faith from God, those who are given it might still never become saved, even with that faith?
Sorry, I'm lost regarding your reply.
OK....
Your question:
Out of curiosity, by quoting John 6:28-29, are you suggesting that true belief cannot originate from man himself, but is only given to someone through God's intervention and work?
My answer is as follows.
The Pharisees had turned the Jews into a mindset of works-mania. They became oriented to learning from religious leaders whatever
works that leader prescribed for gaining eternal life. Its one reason Jesus showed such hatred for the Pharisees like He did.
And, you will note in the Gospels, some asked "rabbi" Jesus for what work they must do to inherit eternal life.
The disciples wanted to know what works he (as a rabbi) would give them.
28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”
So then, Jesus told them:
29 “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
Jesus was saying?
Do not seek the works of the Pharisees. Submit to the work of God!
Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
Jesus was replacing of the Pharisaical works, with God's one work onto eternal life!
grace and peace ..........