ANSWER: The answer to both questions is “No!” Baptism precedes and is essential to salvation. Without scriptural baptism none can enter heaven!

Scriptural baptism is an immersion in water “for” (in order to) the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) and that which puts one into the “one” body (church) of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13). Please additionally read Mark 16:16; Acts 22:16; Romans 6:3; Galatians 3:26 & I Peter 3:21. Note in these passages that baptism comes before salvation; that baptism puts one into Christ; and that “baptism” doth also now save us!

A true Christian is not one who merely says, “I am a Christian,” but one whose life conforms to the will of our Lord. In Matthew 7:21, Jesus said, “Not everyone that sayeth unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” In verses 22/23, we learn that in Judgment Day many will claim to be Christians, but He will say to them, “I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity.” One then must become, and remain, a Christian according to the Bible. No other way will do, nor stand in the Judgment (John 12:48).

To become a New Testament Christian, one must believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (John 8:24); repent (turn away from) of sins (Luke 3:3); confess with the mouth the Lord Jesus (Romans 10:9-10); and be immersed in water (Acts 8:35-39) for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38) into the one body (I Corinthians 12:13) of Christ, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). This church is His church and is, therefore, to be called by His name, the church of Christ (Romans 16:16). It is to this church that one is added by God after being obedient to the above scriptures. Then, and only then, can it be said that one is a true New Testament Christian! Any other way will not do! Any other church will not do!