Yes, he has it backwards: John 3:16
John 3:16
King James Version
16 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.
What does Jesus say in John 3:3. There must be a new birth in an unbelieving heart before a man can become a new creation in Christ. Then and only then is there a uniting with Christ.
If one is united with Christ before believing, what is the use/need of the cross and the shed blood of Jesus. From what you have stated there is no necessity for the cross. The finished wok of Christ is of no value and has no meaning.
Salvation is being saved through the blood of the Cross. Reconciliation is the restoration process thus being a result of salvation. It is not salvation per say.