Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it.  We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty.  When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved.  Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith, and is consummated through confession, baptism, & a commitment to Spirit-Led living.
Romans 6.23, Ephesians 2.8-9, John 14.6, 1.12, Titus 3.5