|
With the universal Christian Church, The Lutheran Church--Missouri
Synod teaches and responds to the love of the Triune God: The Father, creator
of all that exists; Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die
for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate
victory over death and Satan; and the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through
God's Word and Sacraments. The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and
coeternal, one God.
Being "Lutheran," our congregations accept and teach Bible-based teachings of
Martin Luther that inspired the reformation of the Christian Church in the 16th
century. The teaching of Luther and the reformers can be summarized in three
short phrases: Grace alone, Scripture alone, Faith alone.
Grace Alone
God loves the people of the world, even though they are sinful, rebel against
Him and do not deserve His love. He sent Jesus, His Son, to love the unlovable
and save the ungodly.
Scripture Alone
The Bible is God's inerrant and infallible Word, in which He reveals His Law and
His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ. It is the sole rule and norm for
Christian doctrine.
Faith Alone
By His suffering and death as the substitute for all people of all time, Jesus
purchased and won forgiveness and eternal life for them. Those who hear this
Good News and believe it have the eternal life that it offers. God creates
faith in Christ and gives people forgiveness through Him.
|