yOU ARE SOLD OUT TO a works based religion, so it is probably impossible for such an one to see all their reasoning is based in what is anathema to salvation by Grace of God in Christ. Striving for eternal life is precisely exposed in the Bible as a failing methodology, regardless of how well you think you can twist the scriptures to support the anathema.
You were given a Biblical answer using Jesus’s own words. Your disagreement is with Him.