 We want to do something because then we can feel good about ourselves. And that just violates the whole nature of salvation. Salvation is a gift. Grace is God giving you what you do not deserve. Mercy is God keeping you from what you do deserve. Mercy and grace are without anything. You just have to be willing and come and receive it. It's this kind of a theme that's even found in the New Testament. For instance, do you remember the rich young ruler?