We live in an imperfect world. A legalist has a hard time maintaining the assurance of salvation because it is based on his daily works. Only the Gospel gives real assurance. Righteousness by Faith does not mean that the Christian no longer observes God's requirements. He lives to please God in thankfulness for the salvation he has freely received.
Some churches teach salvation by personal effort.
The beautiful balance is what Adventists teach and what you are hearing today which is the true gospel. Adventists have the balance. There are two truths that the devil hates most. The arch-deceiver hates the great truths that bring to view an Atoning sacrifice and an all powerful Mediator. Jesus has the ability to both forgive sin and to empower the Christian to be more like Him.