What Lutherans Believe

Lutheran is the name given to Christians who broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the early 1500’s and followed the theological teachings of Martin Luther. They were the first to be known by the term Protestants, referring to their protest against the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Lutherans join all Christians in proclaiming God as the one true God who created all things, and they join all Christians in their acceptance of the three Ecumenical (or universal) Creeds: the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian.

In addition to these Creeds, the teachings of the Lutheran Church can be summed up by the motto: Gratia Sola, Fide Sola, Scriptura Sola. Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Scripture Alone.

Lutherans believe God is perfect in every way. They teach that human beings are, by their nature, sinful and rebellious against God, are imperfect and in need of His forgiveness.

Lutherans believe that God loves all people of the world. That He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross and in so doing, gain for us forgiveness of sins. This undeserved gift is what we know as God’s Grace. Scripture teaches us that God has not provided any other means for our salvation. This is what Lutherans mean when the say: by Grace Alone.

Lutherans believe that God sends His Holy Spirit to work on our unbelieving heart so that we might come to know Him as our God and know His Son as our Savior. Lutherans teach that apart from believing in God’s promise there is nothing humanly possible that we can do to gain God's favor. This is what Lutherans mean when the say: by Faith Alone.

Lutherans teach that we know these truths from the teachings of the Holy Scriptures, which is the true Word of God. In it, God reveals His Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine. There is no other means of knowing God's will but through his Word. This is what Lutherans mean when the say: by Scripture Alone.

A very fine description of what Lutheran's believe can be found on the website of our sister congregation: Trinity Lutheran Church in Fisherville, Ontario, written by Pastor Mark Danielson.

Another excellent source of information as well as much more detail, can be found on the FAQ site of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod