What We Believe

Lutherans are a part of the “one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church”. As such, we accept the classic teachings of Christianity about a loving God known to us as Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Human beings are God’s good creation, but our captivity to sin requires a gracious intervention by God.

In Jesus of Nazareth, the very Word of God takes on our flesh to enter our world, end our bondage, and make a place for us in God’s eternal kingdom. The traditional titles for Jesus—Son of Man, Son of God, Lamb of God, Christ, and Lord express our confidence that in Him, God has acted in a way that is absolutely unique and fully sufficient for our salvation.

The Scriptures are the inspired written record of God’s dealing with humanity. They contain God’s Law which leads us to confess our need for forgiveness. The Bible also points us to Christ, in whom we receive the promise of full pardon for all transgressions. Lutherans call this promise “the Gospel”.

Jesus Christ, crucified and resurrected is our living Lord—the focus of our faith and life. Because of Him, we are “justified by Grace through Faith.”

For more in-depth information, go to the ELCA web site, www.elca.org.

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