THE GOSPEL
May I ask you a question? Can you say without any doubt that you would spend eternity in heaven when you die? That may appear to be a question that is impossible for anyone to answer, but consider this verse from the Bible:
“These things have I written unto you . . . that ye may know that ye have eternal life. . . .” (I John 5:13).
What is eternal life? And how can one know if he has eternal life?
1. Eternal life means to live with God in heaven forever. It is the opposite of everlasting punishment.
John 3:16—“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
2. Eternal life comes only through the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 14:6—“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
3. Eternal life is a gift that must be received, not worked for.
Ephesians 2:8–9—“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.”
4. Eternal life is received by turning from your sin and trusting what God has said and asking Him to save you.
You must understand and believe these four things that God has said is true of you:
• You have sinned and broken God’s holy law.
Romans 3:23—“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
• Your sin must be punished and paid for.
Romans 6:23—“For the wages of sin is death. . . .”
• You cannot do anything to pay for your sins or save yourself.
Galatians 2:16—“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ... for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.”
• Only the Lord Jesus Christ is able to save you from your sins.
Acts 4:12—“Neither is there salvation in any other [person, religion, way, etc.]: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
John 3:36—“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
What should you do?
Romans 10:9, 13—“That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Here’s is the story of a young father and husband in our church who lost his life, but knew his soul would go to heaven:
Ordinances
Baptism
Morningside practices baptism by immersion for those who profess Christ as their personal Savior. We have a baptismal service several times during the year. Prior to baptism, those who desire to be baptized will need to contact the church office at 864.297.7890 to schedule a baptismal meeting with some of the pastoral staff. This meeting is an opportunity to explain the biblical meaning of baptism as well as to explain the functional things persons need to know to be baptized at Morningside. We suggest that candidates for baptism invite family and friends to join them for this special day as they publicly profess their faith in Christ.
Communion
Communion is a time at Morningside to partake of the Lord’s Supper as we remember His sacrificial death and shed blood. We have communion, normally once a month on Sunday, either the morning or evening service. It is open to all believers walking in obedience to the Lord whether or not they are members at Morningside.