Romans 10:13 (English Standard Version)
13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
How does your "very direct scripture" square with this "very direct scripture"?
Verses taken out of context (of the passage, of the chapter, of the book, and of the entire Bible) are not safe ground for doctrine. The entire NT's message is (paraphrased) "Believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord, and you will be saved". The words belief or faith are used right at 200 times in the NT. God put's no qualifier on Salvation.
Simply believe...
Paul the Apostle had to teach a generation of “Law-bound” Jews a new way. The Jews believed that empty ordinances, sacrifices, and obedience to rules gave them salvation. This was not the case; the new covenant required faith and obedience in Jesus Christ. The old ways were completed, fulfilled, and now done away with.
So he was teaching these faithful a new way of life. They had a hard time turning it around. So of course he had to emphasize faith to them, to get them off the law and into the new covenant.
But the new covenant still requires obedience, baptism, and a life time of devotion. Your soul and your eternal reward are too important for you to think a single “I accept Jesus as my Savior” is going to save you.
The scriptures teach that faith and works are both required.
End of story.