I agree, Ajaxman.
To a large extent, Jesus was a radical dissident from the Pharisee way of life that consisted of rule after useless rule. Jesus took a stand against that and proclaimed that it wasn't the actions that made a man clean but the inner spirituality.
Unfortunately, though, our knowledge of Jesus' position on this subject is a bit limited: he never spoke as clearly as Paul. If we assume that Paul speaks from God, however, then we can look at his letters to understand an even greater truth - works manifest themselves by faith, not the other way around.
It doesn't matter how much I try to be a good person - it won't turn me into a Christian. Rather, becoming a Christian should turn me into a better person.
That's the way it should be though . . . the problem is that I've met few good Christians who truly understand freedom, love and understanding.