You are correct that we can't - without Christ's one-time redemption on the cross - save ourselves.
That is the Pelasgian view or the Buddhist view (in a way) that one might say.
Paul's admonitions that
- Romans 2:5 By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, 6 who will repay everyone according to his works:[a] 7 eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works
- romans 2:16 God will judge people’s hidden works through Christ Jesus.
- Rom 3:28For we consider that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.
It is clear that we cannot save ourselves - we receive the freely given redemption from the Lord and we are justified by our acting in accordance with the Lord to receive our salvation upon death.
Wow, sad what you are renecting. God gave, graced me with eternal life way back in 1972, when HE redeemed my spirit from death to HIS life abiding in my spirit. My soul/ behavior mechanism? No, but HE is faithful in transforming my soul to the degree I have submitted to HIS Presence in me. For it is GOD WHO is in me, both to will and do according to HIS purposes.
He will do the same miracle in you, if you will only trust His Promise to make you immediately born again, born from above, not your striving. I warn you thhough, time is short.