If it depended on our own ability to live right in order to be saved from eternal damnation, none of us would ever have any hope. Titus 3:5 tells us, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.” Romans 6:23 “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:17 “…they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.”
So by these scriptures, we see that eternal life and righteousness is a gift from God. What do you do when someone offers you a gift? The only way it will do you any good is if you receive it. Receive it then with thanksgiving. The truth then is, you become righteous or in right standing with God when you have been cleansed from your sin and receive by faith the righteousness of Jesus Christ. So what is our part? Confess our sins and He said He would forgive them. Receive as a gift from God the righteousness of Jesus Christ and with that eternal life. The blood of Jesus is what paid the bill for all this. The Good Shepherd paid for it all but so often we want to pay it again and again with our own efforts. When we take our eyes off of ourselves and place them on the Good Shepherd and all that He bought and paid for us and receive it with thanksgiving, we will find rest for our souls.
Let There Be Life 