Except that it is impossible to have faith and be disobedient. Belief itself is an action of obedience.
You are correct that we cannot abide this interpretation of New Testament baptism, primarily because while baptism is an extremely important sacrament instituted by Christ, there is no clear Scriptural support for the notion that one cannot be saved apart from water baptism.
I am simply aghast at anyone making this assertion. Again, one does not get this conclusion from scripture without heavy editing and dubious translation. It is abundantly clear that otherwise well-meaning people are driven by another agenda that cannot tolerate real, scriptural baptism. Scripture is just too clear as to the role of baptism.
I can show a protestant the writing in black and white and they will reject it everytime. And everytime they substitute another action, the sinner's prayer, that is both more active, more of a "work" and not found anywhere in scripture, completely ignoring baptism which is found in every normal instance of salvation. Why? Because their leaders have 1) taught them to rely on their leaders rather than scripture, and 2) their leaders have come to rely on a standard external to scripture that takes precedence over scripture.
Oooh...don't let the Arminians hear you say that! :D
Seriously, if you are relying on your obedience to be the material cause of your justification, you are preaching another gospel, my friend.
I am simply aghast at anyone making this assertion. Again, one does not get this conclusion from scripture without heavy editing and dubious translation. It is abundantly clear that otherwise well-meaning people are driven by another agenda that cannot tolerate real, scriptural baptism. Scripture is just too clear as to the role of baptism.
Boy, can I call them or what?
You've made plenty of grand assertions, but you have yet to provide all the "clear Scripture" that teaches there is absolutely no salvation apart from water baptism. And as we shall quickly see, your own words belie your realization that this isn't so.
I can show a protestant the writing in black and white and they will reject it everytime. And everytime they substitute another action, the sinner's prayer, that is both more active, more of a "work" and not found anywhere in scripture, completely ignoring baptism which is found in every normal instance of salvation.
First of all, if you think I take a lot of stock in the "sinner's prayer" you're demonstrating (again) just how little you know about Calvinism.
Second, see your word that I bolded there? You're presenting water baptism as completely necessary to salvation...and then back off to tying it to "normal" instances of salvation. I heartily agree that it accompanies normal instances of salvation. I simply disagree on its role and function in salvation.
Why? Because their leaders have 1) taught them to rely on their leaders rather than scripture, and 2) their leaders have come to rely on a standard external to scripture that takes precedence over scripture.
Oh, please. You haven't made enough accurate statements about Reformed Theology thusfar to even be remotely credible in making such an absurd claim.