No, it is not true. We can see that Abraham was saved by grace:
"What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt" (Ro.4:4).
We can also see that Peter was also saved by grace:
"We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are" (Acts 15:11).
