One of the most important things to understand in regard to man's salvation is man's nature.  Every other religious and philosophical belief system in the world apart from biblical truth supports and embraces the view that in one way or another, man can save himself by his own works.  Either man becomes worthy enough through his actions to merit salvation, or perhaps his good works actually lead to his becoming God, or a god, or through various forms of spiritual meditation and insight he finally realizes he is God, or a god.  The following article deals with these very issues and why it is only by grace through faith alone that we can come into a relationship with God and have the assurance of eternal life.