Our Faith

Lutherans believe that salvation comes through faith alone in Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God - not the result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8-9)."

Furthermore, we also learn in God's Holy Word that Jesus is the only way to salvation. Jesus declares, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6)." And, the Apostle Peter said of this same Jesus, "there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among mortals by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12)."

Lutherans also believe that God's Word is the sole authority for all matters of faith and life. "All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16)." God's Word consists of the Law, which tells us that we are sinners in need of His forgiveness; and the Gospel, which proclaims the Good News that God has forgiven all of our sins for Jesus' sake.

Although all Lutheran teachings are based on the Bible, the Church derives it's name from Dr. Martin Luther (1483-1546), the German Reformer who insisted that the Bible be the only source of doctrine and practice in the Church. A gifted theologian, Dr. Luther intended to reform the Roman Catholic Church from within; only when he was prohibited from doing so did a Church spring up in his name. Although Luther insisted that the new Church be called the "Christian Church" (he said, to paraphrase, "Jesus died for your sins - not me"), his followers did not comply.

Lutherans do not see themselves as a new Church or denomination, but as members of the "one holy Christian and apostolic Church" consisting of true believers from all times and places. We do not bring a new doctrine or teaching, but have instead reclaimed the truth of the Gospel as proclaimed by the Apostles and handed down to us by the Church Fathers. To God alone be the glory!