Razor,
We are saved by faith, but faith without works is dead (James 2:26). So, we are not saved by our works, but because we are saved, we do good works. And the good works we are doing are motivated by God's Spirit, not by our flesh or our own efforts to look good or religious.
It is good that you start reading your Bible and not rely on man made traditions. Don't be offended though. This is something all of us had to learn.