The righteousness of God was imputed to Abraham even before he was circumcise.

The righteousness of God was imputed to Abraham even before he was circumcise.
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Romans 4:11
New King James Version (NKJV)
11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also,

Note:
Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised.

Abraham is the spiritual father of those who believe even though they have not been circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also.

The righteousness of God was imputed to Abraham even before he was circumcise.

Then he believed in the Lord; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)

Great emphasis is applied here making sure that the glory does not go to circumcision

Circumcision is the seal of the righteousness that has already been given.

So it is with baptism. A seal of the righteousness that has already been given to us.

Baptism is an antitype corresponding to Noah Ark where eight person were brought safely through the water inside the Ark. (1 Peter 3:18-21)

Thus it represent sinners who where saved by the resurrection of Christ from the condemnation of Sin.

The emphasis here is on Christ who saves. Not Baptism.

And indeed it is a great blasphemy when man give glory to baptism or any other works for that matter by claiming it as a prerequisite for salvation, when scripture place such great emphasis upon Christ as the only saviour.

Acts 4:11-12
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
11 [a](A)He is the (B)stone which was (C)rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief corner stone. 12 And there is salvation in (D)no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”

You don't receive the gift by saying thank you. But you say thank you because you have already received the gift.