The first element of salvation is grace. Grace is not the only part of salvation, (otherwise Christ would not have had to die and there would be no such thing as Hell), but it is arguably the most important. Grace is not earned, nor is it deserved. This is important for all who would follow Christ, because there is simply no way that we deserve to be called Christians, and there is simply no way that we deserve to be saved. Yet, the fact remains that God has extended His grace so that we can be in Heaven someday. Why not take advantage of God's saving grace? It will change your life!

It is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are all God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works... Ephesians 2:8-10, NIV