Our Lutheran faith is rooted in the truths of the Bible but the name "Lutheran" is much more recent, originating in the 16th century. It comes from a man named Martin Luther, who lived in Germany from 1483 to 1546. Luther struggled with the same basic problems that trouble people today. He longed for peace with God, assurance and the certainty that his sins were forgiven, and eternal life in heaven. Unable to achieve any of these by his own good works, he found the solution in the Bible -- the gospel of Jesus Christ. Bible-believing Lutherans everywhere still hold to Luther's teachings, which he drew only from scripture.
1. Lutherans believe that baptism saves and, as baptized children, we confess our sins.
Scripture: Titus 3:5 He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus instructed his followers to baptize and teach all nations. Through baptism, we become adopted children of God. We confess our sins and humbly ask for forgiveness early in each worship service as well as privately, in prayer.
2. Lutherans believe that Scripture is the sole and final authority.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 4:2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract.
We believe the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. This brings us great comfort as we believe God has given us everything we NEED to know in the Bible. As such, Scripture stands alone, above all teachings of humans and should not be added to, subtracted from, or changed.
3. Lutherans teach law and gospel.
Scripture: Romans 7:24-25 What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God -- through Jesus Christ our Lord!
The law is what God expects of us. It's impossible for us to achieve the perfection God requires. We deserve eternal death and damnation.
The gospel is the story of Jesus, recorded for us in the New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Jesus kept God's laws perfectly, paid for our sins, and has returned to heaven, where he is preparing a place for us. Jesus gives eternal life in heaven to us as a free gift. We call that God's Great Exchange.
We believe, as stated in Ephesians 2:8, "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."
4. Lutherans confess their faith.
Scripture: Romans 10:10 For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Confessions are statements of belief. The Apostle's Creed, Nicene Creed, and Athanasian Creed are statements of belief written hundreds of years ago by Christians. We reaffirm that they are statements of our belief by reciting one of them during each worship service.
5. Lutherans share their faith.
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
There is nothing to compare with the peace of knowing that God gives eternal life with him in heaven as a free gift. This peace with God through the work of Jesus Christ is precious to us. We want others to have it too. For that reason, we offer Bible Information Classes (BIC) -- no strings attached -- to share our faith with others. Visitors are welcome at our worship services and Sunday School classes. If you would like more detail about our beliefs, contact Pastor Werth.
Peace through Jesus.
We know it, love it, and share it!
Symbolism of Luther's Seal - The Lutheran Rose
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