Many believers struggle with approaching God, thinking they need to 'get their act together' first. This reveals a fundamental misunderstanding about grace. Religion is about doing, but salvation is about what's already done. As Ephesians 2:8-9 states, we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, so no one can boast. True belief in Jesus involves more than mental agreement—it requires a change of mind, conviction of sin, complete trust, and surrender. When salvation occurs, remarkable changes follow: we become new creations, are adopted into God's family, and move from darkness to light. While salvation is a moment in time, sanctification is the ongoing process where God works to make us more like Jesus. Good works are important, but they come after salvation, not as a means to earn it. We are not saved BY good works but FOR good works. Genuine faith will produce evidence in our lives, though not perfection. Even in suffering, God is working to shape us into Christ's image. Rather than trying to earn God's favor through works, we should rest in what Christ has done and serve out of gratitude for His free gift of salvation.