If we are living in sin, it is impossible to maintain a relationship with Him. He made a way for us to be free from sin and restore relationship. We view religion and church and Christian living so emphatically in the light of salvation. Everything we do, all our works and efforts, punctuality and faithfulness to church, good deeds, prayers and giving, and efforts to look different are all centered around salvation. That is not God's focus.
Salvation is a product of relationship.
Christianity is not a fire escape. Living a life for Christ is relationship. Salvation is not the end. Relationship is the end. Salvation is a benefit of the relationship.