How can that be readily understood when that thinking is found
nowhere in scripture?
It's very simple. Scripture says that works will never save you.
Sin is transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). Turning from sin means to follow the law, which will never save you.
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Romans 3:20 KJV
You know that's not at all what I've said, but rather you're desperate to hold on to your own accomplishments to save your self rather than the death, burial, and resurrection. You trust in your righteousness (Isaiah 64:6), instead of the righteousness of Christ which is imputed unto is through faith alone (Romans 4).
Trust in the imputed righteousness of Christ:
Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.1 John 3:9 KJV
We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
1 John 5:18 KJV