Faith Lutheran is a member congregation of the
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.
What are Lutherans?
In short, Lutherans are Christians who are firmly planted within historical Christianity. We are called ‘Lutherans’ because we stand within the same confession of faith as Marin Luther and his fellow reformers.
Though many would argue that our confession of faith is rooted in the Reformation of the 1500’s, in truth our confession goes all the way back to the Apostles. This is because the Lutheran Reformers did not seek to divide the Church or create a new denomination. Rather, their desire was to rid the Church of new teachings and abuses in practice by returning Christendom to the teachings of Scripture. When they met opposition from the hierarchy in Rome the Lutheran Reformers refused to turn from this task. They were ‘excommunicated’ by the pope and so began preaching and teaching from Scripture apart from his authority. Thus, the Lutheran tradition was born.
The Lutheran teachings can be summarized in three phrases: grace alone; faith alone; Scripture alone, and by the Reformation slogan: Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum (“the Word of the Lord remains forever”).
Are all “Lutherans” the same?
No, all “Lutherans” are not the same. Unfortunately, there are some Lutheran denominations who have forsaken the foundations of Lutheran doctrine but continue to hold on to the name. The question of Scriptural inerrancy is largely the dividing line between us. Confessional Lutheran traditions, such as the LCMS, maintain that Scripture is the Word of God without error.
What is meant by grace alone?
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9, ESV
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is at the center of our confession. It is the core of everything we believe, say, and do. Scripture teaches that our sin has left us as enemies of God who deserve nothing but wrath, death, and damnation. However, from even before the creation itself, God knew that we would fall into sin and so designed to save us. Purely our of His love and goodness and mercy, the Father sent forth His Son, Jesus, to redeem us by offering His life as a ransom for many. Through Jesus’ death, our sins are forgiven and we are reconciled to the Father. Through His resurrection we are given new and eternal life. All this without any worthiness or merit within us.
This is grace alone.
What is meant by faith alone?
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1, ESV
Through His death and resurrection Jesus won life and salvation for the whole world. However, God does not force His life and salvation upon anyone. Rather, the Holy Spirt brings these gifts of grace to us by His Word of promise. Through the Word, the Holy Spirit creates faith to receive the benefits of these gifts. All who do trust in Him receive exactly as He promises: life and salvation. However, some choose to resist the faith the Spirit creates and reject the Gospel promises. When they resist the Spirit and do not trust in Jesus then they do not benefit from the gifts He gives.
This is faith alone.
What is meant by Scripture alone?
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV
God is God and can reveal Himself and work in any way He pleases, yet it pleases Him to be known by His children with confidence. Therefore, the Holy Spirit inspired men the thoughts and words to write in Scripture so that though it is written by human hand it is still truly God’s Word. God has bound Himself to His Word and promises that we many find Him there.
Though He may reveal Himself in other ways, such as dreams and visions, the Spirit always leads those whom He calls back to His Word. We are instructed to test all the spirits by the Word of God. It is His Word that has the final say on matters of doctrine and practice.
This is Scripture alone.