Yeah, I was taught it was the "new birth" as well, which wasn't available before Jesus died, so of course he couldn't help (?) anyone there.
I don't know what this means, but I'm not willing to accept the say-so of a corrupt "teacher" who didn't understand basic principles of Christianity. Is "the new birth" a "work" anyway?
I'd be satisfied if I could consistently do a fraction of the "works" that Jesus did. Happy to aim bigger once I achieve consistency.