Our Scripture reading today is Titus 3:5, "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;"
 
I was just sharing this verse with someone yesterday in regards to our good works having nothing to do with our salvation.  We cannot work to get saved and we cannot work to keep ourselves saved.  Sinners are saved grace and kept by grace.  Our salvation and eternal security are both gifts from God.  The Holy Ghost takes up residence in our lives the very moment we accept Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour.  The Bible refers to Him as our earnest (2 Corinthians 1:22) or down payment.  Those who are in Christ have assurance that their eternal destiny is in the presence of God in Heaven.