[Cronos]

Faith as the critical "first step". hmm... I agree with you that faith is critical. The discussion is really on the phrase faith ALONE...

A dying man who repents may still be saved by his acceptance of Christ -- he is able to accept Christ by the power of grace, the act of acceptance is the good works.

[CitizenUSA]

Yes, but that still ignores scripture. Remember, scripture specifically states you are saved by faith, not of works. Not of works means exactly that, including the potential “work” of accepting the gift. I don’t think acceptance of the gift itself is a work, otherwise the scripture wouldn’t make any sense.