Galatians 6:2 (New International Version)
2Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Now, that’s Paul, calling for works to fulfill the law of Christ. Jesus called for baptism and thus closes the Book of Matthew.
Jesus goes on to demand that we model him:
Matthew 22:35-40 (21st Century King James Version)
35Then one of them, who was a lawyer, asked Him a question, tempting Him and saying,
36”Master, which is the great commandment in the law?”
37Jesus said unto him, “`Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.’
38This is the first and great commandment.
39And the second is like unto it: `Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’
40On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
But wait, this is an old law: Leviticus 19:18
Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.
Paul goes on to say in Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
So we can see there is a law, it is fulfilled (or summarized) through actions (works). If a law exists, or better, if a law of God exists it must be followed or we break the law and sin.
So we have a law and its existence implies that it must and can be followed. If we break it we sin. Ah, but now we have the Atonement and can get back on track.
Now, neither Paul, Peter or Jesus deny faith, yet they call for works. Faith and works are necessary.
Food for thought.
I would agree with you regarding the law. It is a law of Love.
There are many examples showing how works of love are so important, e.g.
Matthew 25:
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
James 1:27: Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world
James 2:
14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.