Salvation is a gift from God. People can never make up for what they have done wrong by self-improvement or good works. The only way to be saved from the penalty of our wrong doing (a.k.a. sin) is by trusting in Jesus as God’s offer of forgiveness. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus into his life by faith.
Romans 6:23; 5:1
Ephesians 2:8-9
John 14:6; 1:12
Titus 3:5
Galatians 3:26