Not by Works

“For no one will be justified in his sight by the works of the law, because the knowledge of sin comes through the law.” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭CSB‬‬

“But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us —not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy — through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” -‭‭Titus‬ ‭3:4-5‬ ‭CSB‬‬

“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast.” -‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:8-9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Hard work can earn you a lot of cool things on this earth, but it can never help you gain access to heaven. Only the mercy and grace of God (shown through the death of Jesus) coupled with personal faith will result in salvation.