Hello Cherie, I appreciate the question. Been getting a lot of heat on here, but very few fervent dicsiples who are willing to discuss the things of God's Kingdom in a mature manner, where we can glean from each other.
This is a much greater topic than can be properly expressed in an online forum. Personally, I've often engaged with the saints for 3- 4 hours (even up to 8 hours!) in fellowship, prayer and study of the Word.
But let me briefly share this...
No I do not believe "works" of the "Law" are required for salvation. To begin our Journey is a gift of God to those who
"believe, repent, and are baptized." (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, among many others.)
What I do believe and have been teaching for years, and which is fully supported by the whole of Scripture, is that to receive the promises of God in Rev 2 & 3, we must prove ourselves by Obedience to God's commands given through Christ, and we must
Repent,
Walk Worthy, and Overcome.
We know from the Bible that God will not judge us by what we claim to believe, or by a statement of faith, in that Day.
The Scripture does tell us many times that Jesus is coming to
"judge and reward" saint and sinner alike
"according to our works" .
(Psalm 62:12, Prov 24:12, Jer 17:10, Jer 32:19, Eze 33:20, Lam 3:64, Matt 16:27, John 5:28-29, Rom 2:6, Rom 14:12, 2 Cor 5:10, 1Pet 1:17, Rev 20:12, and Rev 22:12 for starters)
Though many have tried, these portions of God's Word cannot be explained away; nor can any verse negate what these passages proclaim. Understanding that "salvation" is not a one time event really helps us grasp a Truer vision of God's great plan and purpose for Creation. Been covering this at our church quite a bit recently -
1Corinthians 10 Bible Study
Peace & Blessings to you as you walk with Jesus,
Michael