By us saying we can save ourselves by our works removes the words of Jesus when He said "It is finished". When Jesus said those words did He mean it's finished but you still have to work to be saved? I think not! He said "It is finished" because he paid the FULL price for our sins. Our works do not "wash" over us...the blood of Christ washes over us.
"Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed"
Jn 6:27
Jesus said to labour/work for the meat that endures unto everlasting life.
No labour = no everlasting life.