We're all a mess. It's why the idea of purgatory does make sense, despite the apparent lack of biblical evidence for it. Interestingly, an early Christian writer - Irenaeus - suggests that the Millennium - referred briefly in the book of Revelation - provides that purgatory, a time for us to get our act together before being let loose on the new heaven and the new earth.

But yes, we only get to heaven ultimately because of God's grace. The challenge is to find that grace for ourselves and to be willing to accept it. Realising that we need is a great start however; too many people these days assume they are doing fine, and God will automatically let them in, which is not a good belief...