Lutherans Center Their Faith in Jesus Christ.
Lutherans Know Jesus Christ
Lutherans build their lives on Jesus Christ. They believe Jesus
Christ is the only, perfect, son of God. They believe that Jesus
lived a life of perfect obedience to God's Law, died for them and for
every person in the world. And Lutherans
believe that Jesus rose from the dead and lives for them--and for
all people who believe in Him as their Savior.
Jesus brings people close to God. Lutherans believe their lives-
-today, tomorrow and in eternity--depend on Jesus.
Lutherans live with a sure hope of eternal life because of Jesus
Christ. They know they're not perfect, that they stumble and
fall in their daily walk with God. But they also know that their
forgiveness has been won and paid for by Jesus Christ and when
they repent and seek forgiveness, God will forgive them because
of Jesus.
And, they want to tell others about that hope!
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 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.
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 their sins.
How Lutherans Got Started
Lutherans take their name from Martin Luther. He was a German
priest who sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church in the early
1500s and return the church to its Biblical foundation.
Luther's writing, debating, preaching and teaching
sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Through his study of the Bible, 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 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 Trust the Bible
Lutherans often refer to three "solas" (Latin for "alone") as a
summary of the faith that gives them 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 "get" faith; God gives it as He gives us His
promises.
- Scripture alone--The Bible is the only source that shows
God's will and the only basis for faith.
Lutherans talk about Law and Gospel. The Bible gives the Law,
showing God's expectation of people and the terrible consequences
for not following His commands. But the Bible also reveals the
Gospel--the "good news" of God's love and forgiveness.
Lutherans Are Congregational
Lutherans have other distinctive beliefs:
- They 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 choose 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.
- They share their faith with individuals. Collectively, they
sponsor mission programs worldwide.
- They care about people in need--providing hospitals, help for
children and families, and worldwide relief for the hungry,
homeless and helpless.
- Their worship style, which includes a lot of music and
singing, is often "liturgical," following the worship form handed
down from the early Christian church. It is often expressed in
contemporary forms.
Please join us for worship and Bible studies at your nearest
Lutheran church.
The following Bible readings will tell you more about the
"Good News":
- John 3:16
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- Romans 5:1-21
- Acts 2:38-42
- Romans 3:22-24
- Acts 4:12
The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod
Board for Communication Services
1333 S. Kirkwood Road
St. Louis, MO 63122
