We believe 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 (John 1:12; Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer for forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty (Romans 6:23). When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. God declares as righteous those who believe in Christ (Romans 8:33). This righteousness is through faith alone and only through the merit of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.