The Bible unequivocally teaches that we are spiritually dead apart from Christ. Not only can we not save ourselves, we can't even come to God apart from a regenerating work that first makes us alive to his grace. That's the bad news. But the good news is that Jesus saves – by his love, mercy, and grace. We receive the merits of his death, resurrection, and exaltation through faith. Though we can't be saved by good works, we are saved for good works that reflect the heart of Jesus.