Questions for those who believe baptism necessary for salvation

Questions for those who believe baptism is necessary for salvation.

by Matt Slick | Nov 22, 2008 | Doctrine and Theology, Christian Theology

Was Abraham still in a state of damnation when he believed God and was declared righteous even though he hadn’t been circumcised?
1. Rom. 4:1-5, “What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? ²For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. ³For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” ⁴Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. ⁵But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.”
2. Gal. 3:5-7, “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? 6Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. 7Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.”
  1. Note: Those who believe in New Testament times are to believe in the person of Christ, his work on the cross, his resurrection, etc.
Rom. 4:5 says that he who believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness. So do you agree that when a person believes, he is righteous in God’s sight?
1. If not, how do you not contradict what the scripture says?
2. If yes, then baptism isn’t necessary; otherwise, they wouldn’t be righteous in Christ’s sight.
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?
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?
If a person prays and asks Jesus to forgive him of all of his sins, is he forgiven or not?
1. Jesus said in John 14:14, “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
2. If he is not forgiven, then aren’t you saying that trust and faith in Christ aren’t enough?
A ritual is a set of forms and practices. It is a ceremony. Baptism is a ritual, a ceremony where one person administers baptism to another person. Therefore, if you maintain that baptism is necessary for salvation, are you not 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?
1. If you say no, then baptism is not necessary for salvation.
2. If you say yes, then he is not declared righteous by faith.