Salvation for who?

John MacArthur:

"In all four Gospels, it is crystal clear that salvation...

     is not for those who are good; 

          is not for those who try harder; 

               is not for those who live better; 

                    is not for those who are more moral or more religious or 

                            forsake certain vices or pray certain prayers. 

It's a work of God." 

     Nicodemus wanted to do whatever was required to escape judgment, have a relationship with God and forever bound for Heaven. 

     Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly I say to you, unless one is born from above, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

     No contribution we make puts us in the kingdom. Somewhere between John chapter 3 and John 9, Heaven came down on Nicodemus. 

    God saves sinners when they realize they are utterly undone, when in spiritual emptiness they cry out, "God, be merciful to me a sinner."