There's something about human nature that doesn't like the fact that salvation cannot be earned. One of the most obvious evidences for this fact is that men and women will often try to "get their lives together" before they "come to Christ." But if there is nothing anyone can do to merit salvation, then there is no need to "get your life together." That idea is tied to the heresy that we must somehow and in some way work for our salvation: that we need to make ourselves at least a little bit worthy before we come to Jesus. The New Testament makes it clear that this is a lie. And Romans, in particular, makes it clear that it is impossible. We can never make ourselves even a little bit more worthy. Salvation is a gift.