Actually as I understand it is by belief in Jesus Christ that we are saved by faith. The Bible clearly says this over and over again. We cross over from being spiritually dead to being made spiritually alive the moment we believe and trust in all Jesus has already done for us. Spiritually alive people have their names written in the Book of LIFE ( singular) while non-believers have their names written in the books ( plural) of Life. Once a soul is born again, made into a new creation in Christ they have eternal life. Forgiveness is the Way that Jesus provided. Jesus fullfilled the requirements of the old covenant law. We live in the New Covenant of Grace. The old is gone, the new has come. Being good and doing good are the result of God's Spirit living in us. This produces the fruits of the Spirit which are Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Gentleness, Goodness, Kindness, and Self Control. 😇