Faith can be lost, so this statement is untrue. Continued faith, though, is required for all progress toward God. Paul's faith converted him on the Road to Damascus. That same faith continues in our good works. As you've stated it's the natural response to Charity. The goal is godliness. We are called to perfection.
Nonetheless, baptism is a necessary condition for salvation. It all begins with faith, but you must be baptized. For that you need authority and for authority you need continuing revelation. That's my point, as well as the Bible's.
BTW, how is a proper anointing conducted per James 5:14?
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:And God doesn't have the character flaw of taking back the gifts he gives:
Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.Which only makes sense, because what kind of eternal life is it if "now you have it now you don't?" Hardly qualifies as eternal, like the real thing:
John 5:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.As for the rest of your post, like the saying goes, if all one has is a hammer, everything will look like a nail. Resolve the faith question first, and the rest will make more sense. Until then, there is no point in branching off to other unresolved controversies.
Ya know, 1010, I agree with the import of baptism...
The question is...IS it an absolute aspect as you seem to claim it to be.
Jesus told the thief on the cross that he would be with Him in paradise...
Sorry...but no Mormon temple baptism pool was available for Jesus to baptize said thief.