"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof,
Our Core Beliefs
Lutherans Center Their Faith in Jesus Christ.
Lutherans build their lives on Jesus Christ. We believe he is the only perfect man, and the eternal Son of God. We believe that Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience to God's Law, and died for us and every person in the world. Lutherans believe that Jesus rose from the dead and lives to give life and salvation to all people who believe in Him as their Savior. We believe that only Jesus can bring us close to God, and so, believe our lives, for now and for eternity, depend on Jesus.
Lutherans live with a sure hope of eternal life because of Jesus Christ. We know we are not perfect, that we stumble and fall in our daily walk with God. But we also know that forgiveness has been won for us; paid for by Jesus Christ. We are secure in knowing that when we repent and seek forgiveness, God will forgive us because of Jesus. For this reason we want to live for him, and tell others about our glorious hope!
Lutherans Are Christians
Lutherans hold beliefs shared by many Christians:
Lutherans proudly display the sign of the cross, a symbol used by all Christians. The cross symbolizes both the terrible death that Jesus suffered as punishment for our sins, and the love of God in offering this sacrifice for us.
- God is three Persons in one: the Father, who created and sustains the world; the Son, who lived as a man, died, and rose from the dead; and the Holy Spirit who works God's will in the world.
- The Bible is God's infallible Word, communicated through human writers who were directed by the Holy Spirit.
- Sin is rebellion against God in thought, word and deed. Every person is guilty of sin against God. Sin also is the cause of the bad things people do to each other.
- Everyone will have an existence after death--either in heaven or hell--forever.
- God has a plan to bring this world's history to an end, when He will judge everyone--both the living and the resurrected dead.
Lutherans proudly display the sign of the cross, a symbol used by all Christians. The cross symbolizes both the terrible death that Jesus suffered as punishment for our sins, and the love of God in offering this sacrifice for us.
How Lutherans Got Started
Lutherans take their name from Martin Luther. He was a German priest who sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church in the early 1500's by returning it to its Biblical foundation. Luther's writing, debating, preaching and teaching sparked the Protestant Reformation. Through his study of the Bible, Luther helped the Christian Church rediscover the truth that God is loving and that He offers forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift because of Jesus Christ.
Luther taught that people--no matter how hard they try--cannot earn God's forgiveness or a place in heaven. It is a gift from God that people receive through faith in Jesus Christ.
Luther taught that people--no matter how hard they try--cannot earn God's forgiveness or a place in heaven. It is a gift from God that people receive through faith in Jesus Christ.
Lutherans Trust the Christ of the Bible
Lutherans often refer to three "solas" (Latin for "alone") as a summary of the faith that gives us hope:
- Grace alone--God loved the world, though we do not deserve His love. He sent His Son to love the unlovely and save the ungodly.
- Faith alone--Jesus has provided for our forgiveness and life; those who hear this promise and believe it, have what it offers. People don't "get" faith; God gives it as He calls us by the Gospel promises.
- Scripture alone--The Bible is the only source that shows God's will and the only standard and source for all faith and life.
Lutherans Have Distinctive Beliefs Based on Scripture
- We view Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and the spoken or written Gospel as the means by which God gives people His grace; calling them to faith and making them His holy people.
- Local churches, or congregations, are the central community for faith and practice. Congregations trust God to use them in His calling of a trained man to be their "pastor" (shepherd).
- Christian education is important. Lutherans provide Sunday schools, Bible classes, home-study groups, preschools, elementary and high schools, and colleges.
- We share our faith with individuals. Collectively, we sponsor mission programs worldwide.
- We care about people in need--providing hospitals, help for children and families, and worldwide relief for the hungry, homeless and helpless.
- Our worship style, which includes a lot of music and singing, is often "liturgical," following the worship forms handed down from the early Christian church.
Some Words To Ponder
Please join us for worship and Bible study. The following Bible readings will tell you more about the "Good News":
- John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
- Ephesians 2:8-9 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast."
- Acts 2:38-42 "Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise if for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom the Lord our God will call." With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer."
- Romans 3:22-24 "This righteousness form God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."
- Acts 4:12 "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."