Baptism

Sunday, May 11th
9:30 & 11:00 AM Services

Are You Ready?

Once a person admits that they are a sinner and turns to Christ for salvation, the Bible says that they should proclaim the life change that has occurred through the physical act of Baptism.

A Christian is a person who realizes that their sin has separated them from God and they have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation.

If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. Just as a bride and groom tell of their love for one another through the symbol of rings, you should also want to show the world, through Baptism, of your union with Christ. Let the miracle that has happened in you show through the sacrament He ordained for you.

Does Keystone baptize infants?

We do not baptize babies but rather prefer to have a dedication service. We believe that the decision to be baptized is an obedience step by an individual believer and cannot be chosen for them by anyone else. In spite of the good intentions of Mom and Dad the child is the only one that can choose baptism.

What if my child asks to be baptized?

If your child has expressed an interest in being baptized, we would encourage you (as the parent) to listen to the teaching on Baptism and then speak with your child about their decision. We do not have a minimum age requirement for baptism but would ask that parents use discernment in allowing their young child to be baptized. All that being said, if a child confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and understands what it means to be a believer, there is no reason that they should not be baptized.

What The Bible Says...

In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commands his followers to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…” Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified.

In passages such as...

Acts 2:41 ~ Acts 8:12 ~ Acts 10:47–48

...it is evident that Baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation. The New Testament records the Baptisms of adult believers. Baptism was never intended to provide salvation for an individual, but rather to publicly identify a person with Christ.

In Romans 6:1–11, the apostle Paul explains how the immersion (whole body entering the water) mode of Baptism identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going under the water represents Christ’s death and coming out of the water illustrates His resurrection.

You do not have to be baptized to have Christ in your heart any more than you must exchange rings to be pronounced man and wife. But if the inner commitment to trust Christ alone for salvation has been made, then the outward symbol of Baptism should be as valued and as visible as the gold ring on a newlywed’s finger.

What’s Your Next Step?

If you are a believer and desire to take the next step in your spiritual journey by being baptized, here is what you need to do:

1. If you have not done so, be sure to read all the information on this page.

2. Listen to a teaching on Baptism given by Pastor Ken Gilmore in June 2004 by clicking HERE

3. Call, email or speak with any of the Pastor’s regarding your questions about Baptism.

4. Register ONLINE or download the Baptism Registration Form, print it out , fill it out and drop it off at the Next Steps table (next to the Keyosk) or drop it off at the church office.

5. Invite your family, friends and co-workers to join in the celebration of your baptism.

6. Set up a time to record a video testimonial to be shown prior to your baptism.

Examples of Testimonials and Baptisms: Play video on this page!



	Sunday, May 11th 9:30 & 11:00 AM Services
*Are You Ready?* Once a person admits that they are a sinner and turns to Christ for salvation, the Bible says that they should proclaim the life change that has occurred through the physical act of Baptism. A Christian is a person who realizes that their sin has separated them from God and they have given up all efforts to reach God through good works or religious activity. They have concluded that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross for their sins is the only thing that can bridge the gap between them and God. A believer is someone who has decided to trust Christ alone for his or her salvation. If you have come to this point in your spiritual journey, then you are ready to be baptized. Just as a bride and groom tell of their love for one another through the symbol of rings, you should also want to show the world, through Baptism, of your union with Christ. Let the miracle that has happened in you show through the sacrament He ordained for you. *Does Keystone baptize infants?* We do not baptize babies but rather prefer to have a dedication service. We believe that the decision to be baptized is an obedience step by an individual believer and cannot be chosen for them by anyone else. In spite of the good intentions of Mom and Dad the child is the only one that can choose baptism. *What if my child asks to be baptized?* If your child has expressed an interest in being baptized, we would encourage you (as the parent) to listen to the teaching on Baptism and then speak with your child about their decision. We do not have a minimum age requirement for baptism but would ask that parents use discernment in allowing their young child to be baptized. All that being said, if a child confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and understands what it means to be a believer, there is no reason that they should not be baptized.
		What The Bible Says... In Matthew 28:19–20, Jesus commands his followers to “go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit…” Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified. In passages such as... Acts 2:41 ~ Acts 8:12 ~ Acts 10:47–48 ...it is evident that Baptism follows an individual’s decision to trust Christ alone for salvation. The New Testament records the Baptisms of adult believers. Baptism was never intended to provide salvation for an individual, but rather to publicly identify a person with Christ. In Romans 6:1–11, the apostle Paul explains how the immersion (whole body entering the water) mode of Baptism identifies the believer with the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Going under the water represents Christ’s death and coming out of the water illustrates His resurrection. You do not have to be baptized to have Christ in your heart any more than you must exchange rings to be pronounced man and wife. But if the inner commitment to trust Christ alone for salvation has been made, then the outward symbol of Baptism should be as valued and as visible as the gold ring on a newlywed’s finger.
*What’s Your Next Step?* If you are a believer and desire to take the next step in your spiritual journey by being baptized, here is what you need to do: 1. If you have not done so, be sure to read all the information on this page. 2. Listen to a teaching on Baptism given by Pastor Ken Gilmore in June 2004 by clicking HERE 3. Call, email or speak with any of the Pastor’s regarding your questions about Baptism. 4. Register ONLINE or download the Baptism Registration Form, print it out , fill it out and drop it off at the Next Steps table (next to the Keyosk) or drop it off at the church office. 5. Invite your family, friends and co-workers to join in the celebration of your baptism. 6. Set up a time to record a video testimonial to be shown prior to your baptism. Examples of Testimonials and Baptisms: Play video on this page!