From the point of view of the individual, salvation is either due to something they say/think/do, or it is not. If it is not, then, from that individual's view point, it is arbitrary. To the degree that it is due to something within the individual's power is indicative of some degree of salvation by works.
It seems the general evangelical view, at least from the limited non-argumentative discussions I've had with friends/acquaintances who are evangelical, is the latter. This seems to makes God capricious and arbitrary - not a God I'm particularly desirous to worship.
As Woot said, at least mormon cosmology is pretty internally consistent. The evangelical cosmology makes my head swim.
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