Yes, faith is a conscious act - one of receiving and believing what God has revealed and given to us. Scripture, however, makes clear that faith is NOT a work in the sense of our own efforts. Verses such as Romans 4:5, "And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness." as well as others differentiate our works from belief/faith.
I do not disagree that a genuine faith WILL be demonstrated in good works, but that is a far cry from saying our works are necessary for salvation or, as NL insisted, enable us to retain the grace necessary for salvation. Grace is the gift of God that gives us eternal life in heaven through the atonement of Christ. We receive this gift by faith and the works we do afterward are the sign of true sanctification. We are justified by faith APART from works. For we account a man to be justified by faith, without the works of the law. (Romans 3:28)
That is yet another mischaracterization of my statements. For the record I NEVER said that works are necessary to achieve or keep Salvation or in anyway enable us to retain Salvation or Sanctifying Grace. I do so wish you would drop that anti-Catholic canard. Whoever taught you that did you, the Church, Protestantism, and God a great disservice.
Peace be with you.