I am moved with the amount of confusion these days about the nature of our salvation. The answer to this question can be different depending on the denomination you attend, but I believe the Bible is clear if interpreted correctly. Salvation is a free gift, that is received through repentance and faith, and it was completely paid for by what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. All we are required to do is accept it by faith.
In that case, it wouldn't be a free gift. Anything that someone must do to obtain it, makes it theirs only by their doing, and therefore, not a free gift. To be truly free, it must be imputed to someone, placed into their possession in spite of, and apart from, anything they may do, otherwise, it isn't free.
[Tit 3:5-7 KJV]
5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but
according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
6 Which
he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
7 That being
justified by his grace, we should be
made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
[1Co 1:30 KJV]
30
But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification,
and redemption:
[2Pe 1:1 KJV]
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: