Romans 3:24 (Amp.) says, "[All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace, through the redemption which is [provided] in Christ Jesus." 

Let's talk about grace.  The grace of God.  In scripture the word 'grace' is translated from the greek word 'charis', meaning 'favor', or as the Amplified version explains, 'unmerrited favor and mercy'.

When we ask God to forgive us, we are saved (delivered from judgement) by His grace (unmerrited favor and mercy).  He gives His grace freely.  It is impossible to gain His favor by doing 'good works', for it is not our 'works' that saves us or justifies us in His eyes.  ONLY by the grace of God are we saved (delivered from judgement).

Does this mean that once we are saved we never have to do good works?  Absolutely not! God then equips us with the abilities needed to fullfill His awesome purpose for us, whatever that may be.  And if we are obedient to Him, He will use us no matter where we are.  Whether we volunteer at a local shelter, travel to far away countries, stay at home with our children, or have a corporate career.

Bottom line...works DO NOT save us or make us okay.  God's grace is it. 

Ask Him to forgive your sins, and invite Him to be the Lord of your life. Freely, and graciously He will do what you ask.