FAITH ALONE FOR ETERNAL SALVATION ?

As a church, CCF believes that faith alone saves a person from eternal damnation. CCF does not believe that Christians must work their way to salvation. The verses often cited to justify this doctrine is,
Ephesians 2 : 8-9
For it is by grace that you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.
But what exactly are Christians saved from according to the verses ? Notice that the word used is " saved " which is in the past tense. Now, will it not be more appropriate to use the future tense of the word if it pertains to gaining eternal salvation through faith alone ? Will it not be more appropriate if verse 8 is phrased " for it is by grace that you will be saved through faith " to indicate that once we have faith comes eternal salvation ? The question remains as to what are we saved from according to the verses.
What I believe the verses pertain to is our salvation from sin. The crucifixion and resurrection of Christ which occured in the past, have saved Christians from sin and its influence. Once Christians believe in the resurrection and gospel of Jesus, they are no longer dead to sin and are given the power by God to conquer and defeat sin. Hence, Christians are able to do what is right and good in the eyes of God.
2 Timothy 3 : 17
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
The importance of doing good works is best contained in
James 2 : 24
You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
Finally, the need to do good works to gain eternal salvation is contained in
Philippians 2 : 12-13
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed not only in my presence, but much more in my absence, continue to WORK OUT YOUR SALVATION with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and act according to his good purpose.
For the longest time, CCF and a lot of other Christian churches have preached the doctrine that Christians only need to have faith without works to gain eternal salvation. The truth is, Christians have been saved from sin and its influence through faith in Jesus and now have the spirit to do good works which ultimately will give eternal life.