We Lutherans live with a sure hope of eternal life because of Jesus Christ. We know that we are not perfect and that, because of sin, we stumble and fall in our daily walk with God. Yet we also know that our forgiveness has been won and paid for by Jesus Christ and when we repent and seek forgiveness, God will forgive us because of Jesus. That is the hope we know! That is the hope we proclaim!

We Lutherans are Christians. Lutherans hold beliefs shared by many Christians.

+ 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 Word, spoken through human writers.

+ Sin is revolt 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 existence after physical death—either in heaven or hell—forever.

+ God has a plan to end the world, when He will judge everyone—both the living and the resurrected dead.

We Lutherans proudly display the sign of the cross, a symbol used by all Christians. The cross symbolizes the terrible death that Jesus suffered as punishment for our sins.

We Lutherans trust the Bible. We often refer to three “solas” [Latin for “alone”] as a summary of the faith, which 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 produce faith; God gives it as He gives us His promises.

+ Scripture Alone: The Bible is the only source that reveals God’s will and the only basis for faith.

We Lutherans talk about Law and Gospel. The Bible contains the Law, showing God’s expectations of people and the terrible consequences of not following His commands. But the Bible also reveals the Gospel—the “Good News” of God’s love and forgiveness through the life, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.

How Lutherans got started: Lutherans take their name from Martin Luther [1483-1546]. He was a German priest who sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church in the early 1500’s, desiring to return the Church to the Biblical foundation. Luther’s writing, debating, preaching and teaching sparked the Protestant Reformation.

Through his study of the Bible, which he translated into German, 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 the Scriptural doctrine 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 Are Congregational. Lutherans have distinctive beliefs.

+ We view Baptism and the Lord’s Supper as the means by which God gives people His Grace.

+ Local churches, or congregations, are the central community for faith and practice. Congregations “call” 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, through our Church Body, we sponsor mission programs at home and abroad.

+ We care about people in need—providing hospitals, help for children and families, as well as local and worldwide relief for the hungry, homeless and helpless.

+ Our worship style includes a lot of music and singing. The Divine Service uses a “liturgy” which incorporates worship forms handed down from the early Christian Church. It can be expressed in many different ways, but always contains the elements of confession of sins, the reading and proclamation of Holy Scripture, prayer and the administration of the Sacraments, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion.