Exactly.
“They” gave all these reasons to be saved, and all of the reasons were works. None of them professed faith.
How do you have faith without works?
If you receive a gift, aren’t you expected to accept it (a work)? Baptism (a work) is the initial acceptance of God’s salvation.
Should we not pray to God and follow His Commandments? (works)
Do you not accept that God may say “He does not know you?”