Questions for those who say that baptism is necessary for salvation

Abraham Was Declared Righteous Before Circumcision

Alright, this is questions for those who believe that baptism is necessary for salvation. I'm going to ask you, was Abraham still in a state of damnation when he believed God and was declared righteous, even though he hadn't been circumcised?

Let's take a look at Romans chapter 4, verses 1 -5. It says this, What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

For what does the scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Faith, Not Ritual, Is What Justifies

Let's also look at Galatians chapter 3, verses 5 -6. Does he then who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the law, or by hearing with faith? Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.

Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are the sons of Abraham. Note, those who believe in the New Testament times are to believe in the person of Christ, his work on the cross, his resurrection, etc.

Likewise, when a person believes God, is he declared righteous? Think about this. Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. By his belief. This is what Romans 4, verses 1 -5 says.

There was no ritual, no ceremony in anything that he was doing, but he was declared righteous by his faith. And Paul says in Romans 4, verses 1 -5, particularly in verse 5, that anyone who believes in God, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Forgiveness, Baptism, and Salvation by Faith

If a person who believes is not declared righteous, then why isn't he? If a person who believes is declared righteous, then is he righteous without baptism? Of course he is. Is a sinner who has prayed and asked the Lord Jesus to forgive him of his sins actually forgiven or is he still in a state of damnation until he gets baptized?

Is it biblical for someone to ask Jesus to forgive him of his sins, and if he does so, is he forgiven or not? I've got some other questions I want to ask you. Jesus said in John 14, 14, If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.

Baptism as Ritual and the Final Question

A ritual is a set of forms or practices. It is a ceremony. Baptism is a ritual. It's a ceremony where one person administers baptism to another person. Therefore, if you maintain that baptism is necessary for salvation, aren't you saying that salvation is by faith and a ritual?

Can you please tell us if such a man who has believed in Christ and received him, yet dies without being baptized, goes to eternal damnation, simply because he hasn't performed the additional ritual? If you say no, then baptism is not necessary for salvation.

If you say yes, then he's not declared righteous by faith, is he?