As “Lutherans,” we accept and teach the understanding of Christian faith as derived through Martin Luther, the great reformer of the Church in the 16th Century. The teachings of Luther can be summarized in three short phrases —grace alone, faith alone, and scripture alone.
Grace alone. We are sinful creatures who rebel against God and the way He would have us to live. God therefore sent his only Son, Jesus to take our sins upon himself and to die in our place. We are saved by the grace of God alone; we are saved by God ’s initiative and action, not by anything we do.
Faith alone. When Jesus suffered and died on the cross, he paid the penalty for our sin; he purchased and won for us eternal life. Those who hear this Good News, and believe it, have eternal life. Our salvation is by faith alone. It is our belief and trust in what God has done for us, and not by any good works that we do that we are saved.
Scripture alone. Holy Scripture both Law and Gospel, is the infallible Word of God for leading us unto salvation. The Bible is the only norm of doctrine and faith; it is the only true standard by which the teachings and doctrines of the Christian faith are to be judged. Church traditions and human opinions are only as valid as they are faithful to God ’s Word.
In the Lutheran Church, we celebrate two sacraments—Baptism and Holy Communion. Baptism is the beginning of a life -long relationship with God and his church. In Baptism, God says “Yes” to us, makes us a part of his church, daily forgives us our sins, and brings us to eternal life. In Holy Communion, the risen Christ comes to us in the bread and wine to assure us that our sins are forgiven and to strengthen our faith.
