The Sign of Faith

Based on Romans 4:9-11

Abraham was already declared righteous by faith before he was circumcised, showing that circumcision is not necessary for salvation. Abraham was commanded to be circumcised as a sign of the righteousness by faith that he already had. In the same way we can be righteous by faith today without being circumcised. Some theologians argue that baptism is the Christian equivalent of Jewish circumcision and teach that it was practiced on infants even in the early church. Other Christians teach that salvation is impossible without baptism. These doctrines are related to each other and belong to Romanism not Christianity. Both are addressed in principle by this passage. If baptism is the outward sign of the righteousness that comes by faith in Jesus; baptism comes after faith. Therefore baptism cannot apply to infants and baptism cannot be a condition of salvation (only faith is).
That said; a believing Gentile that wants to be a Jew must be circumcised as an outward sign of faith, and a believing sinner that wants to be a Christian must be baptised as an outward sign of faith. Baptism is outward; a requirement for membership in the church. It is not salvific (able to save) but it is not optional.

In all my dealings I need to behave in a way that reflects the faith I have from the Bible.