This is an old subject. There are scriptures that teach both faith and works (Eph. 2:8-9; James 2:14; Titus 3:5; James 2:24). The truth is: there is a faith that will save, and there is a faith that will not save; there are works that will save; there are works that will not save. One of the clearest passages on the subject is James 2:14-26.
James said: Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. (NKJV)
Salvation by faith is salvation by obedience (Jn. 3:36). Do you have that simple, trusting, obedient faith that will lead you to “repent and be baptized for the remission of sins?” You need that kind of faith. If you are obedient to the Lord’s commands you will walk by faith and do good works to let your light shine. (Matthew 5:16)
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Billy