No, that's not what she or I have said. It's a pity that you don't understand what you say you read in the Scriptures. The Bible says that first we must HAVE FAITH IN JESUS AND HIS RANSOM SACRIFICE IN OUR BEHALF. That comes first.
Then we must show our faith by our works, and follow Jesus' teachings. We cannot "earn" our salvation. Jesus died for us and without his sacrifice we would be lost. We must, however, work in accordance with his life example and his teachings.
1) "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)
2) "I will show thee my faith by my works....The devils also believe and tremble....Faith without works is dead." (James 2:18b-20)
3) "Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps." (I Peter 2:21)
That is it in a nutshell. Very easy to understand. Unless you want to shove aside what the Bible actually says.
You're a JW, therefore, your Cult status doesn't lend itself to the TRUTH of Scripture or its interpretation.