what we believe
Along with all Christians, Lutherans share certain beliefs:
About God
- God is the creator of the universe, and everything in it.
- God created humans in God's image.
- God is love and wants the best for God's creation.
About Sin
- Sin is our human rebellion against God.
- Sin is seen in our selfishness, greed, pride, violence, and hatred of others.
- Sin leads to alienation from God, which leads to death.
About Jesus
- Jesus is God's Son.
- Jesus was a human being who walked this earth.
- Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to save us from sin and to show us God's love.
About the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit is God.
- The Holy Spirit was promised by Jesus, and is God's continuing presence in the world.
- The Holy Spirit unites God's people on earth, creating the Church, and teaching us how to love God and our neighbors.
About the Bible
- The Bible is inspired by God and written by human beings.
- The Bible shares the ongoing saga of God acting in human history.
- The most important part of the Bible is the story of Jesus' life, death and rising from the dead.
So, Lutherans share the common faith that all Christians share. At the same time...
Lutherans emphasize:
Justification By Grace Through Faith
- There is nothing we can say or do to earn God's love. God already loves us through Jesus Christ. God invites us to celebrate by believing this promise.
- Salvation is a gift. Faith is a gift. Following Jesus is a gift. Heaven is a gift.
- Doing good deeds will not get us into heaven. But once we are changed by our encounter with Jesus, good works are a natural by-product.
The Sacraments
- In Holy Baptism, God claims us as his children, promising us that nothing will ever separate us from God's love. This promise is for adults and children.
- In Holy Communion, Jesus Christ is truly present in the bread and wine for our forgiveness and salvation.
- Other ritual moments help us experience more fully the promises made by God through the sacraments: confirmation, confession and forgiveness, marriage, burial of the dead, the rituals that set apart church leaders for ministry, healing services, home-blessings, etc.
For more information about what Lutheran Christians believe, click here!
