Amen, only by Faith in Jesus Christ are we saved.
That faith in Jesus Christ from the moment we believe begins to transform our lives, change our hearts and make us act like Jesus Christ.
It will also help us stay away from sin.
Also the word of God says that faith without works is a dead faith.
Being imitators of Jesus comes from having him in our lives, in our hearts, which is ultimately the point of those words.
I still understand what you mean and it is valid.
A big hug. God bless you.