It matters not how hard we try, we will always come up short. It matters not how much spiritual effort we exert, we will always come up short of the glory of God. Because we are sinners. The penalty of sin is death. People have tried to change that truth, but it still stands in the path of man's way to the glory of God.
Sin has the death penalty on it.
No judge or lawyer can get that penalty or sentence removed, it is there to stay. As a sinner, we are condemned to die. We are faced with the penalty of sin. The grace of God will bring salvation if we will accept it. Salvation gives us what we don't have and that which we cannot obtain on our own.