There is this helpless feeling we all get when we can't earn something, this feeling is intensified when it comes to God.  We all would like to earn our salvation, but according to scripture it doesn't work that way...so what do we do?

Psalm 51:16-17  You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart  you, God, will not despise.