Whenever you want something badly it's always a good idea to be absolutely clear on what the criteria is to receive it, so that you know exactly what you have to do. Then once known, the point you should make sure of is that you are fulfilling it, so that you don't lose out and become disappointed.

Take the case of salvation and receiving eternal life in the Kingdom of God...

In this case it would behoove us to look at what the scriptures state and what we might believe is the criteria.

Acts 16:30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family.

Here in Acts 16 and confirmed in other places we have the clear word that 'faith in Jesus' is the criteria. We can flesh this out with other scriptures which show how to live your live having been saved, but the bottom line is that salvation is through faith on our side and by grace on God's side.

That's one criteria that you can use to be saved and gain eternal life; But in theory could you use any other?

Well, before He inaugurated the New Covenant, Jesus was asked what one must do to gain eternal Life, and He replied...

Matthew 19:17 If you would enter life, keep the commandments.

A perfectly true statement, but James tells us that if you are relying on 'keeping the law' as the criteria, then if you fail in one point you've failed in all of them. So if this was your preferred route for salvation then any failure on your part and you've lost salvation.

James 2:10 For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

Miss the mark on any point and it's just the same as committing murder. You are due the penalty for NOT keeping the commandments.

Now if in your philosophy you are relying on being forgiven for not keeping the law perfectly you can check if God agrees with that standard being good enough. If you believe it though, it should be obvious that the criteria you are living by is not 'Keeping the law'. The criteria in this case is "Failing to keep the law and being forgiven"! If you can find that criteria being given as a route to salvation and eternal life - fine! If not.....

If the criteria you are adhering to is 'faith in Jesus' and God accepts that, then maintain that standard and you have met the criteria and have eternal life.

Just check that God accepts the criteria that you believe in and that you are actually following and meeting those criteria, and all will go well with you in the future!

It's great when a plan comes together!