All have sinned Rom. A L L are alike helpless to save.
Religion is the improvement of the old nature through respect for lofty principles.
Salvation is the imparting of a new nature through receiving a Lowly Person. As many as received HIM to them gave HE power to become the sons of God. Religion clothes us with the robes of our own righteousness, which God says are as filthy rags. Salvation clothes us in the perfect righteousness of Christ, which alone can make us acceptable in the sight of God. Not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His Mercy He saved us.