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What We Believe
As Lutherans, we are...
Evangelical - As Lutheran Christians, our belief centres on the saving message of God's forgiveness through Christ. As it is explained in the Holy Scriptures, we believe that we cannot by our own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ or come to him but rather the Holy Spirit calls us through the Gospel, enlightens us with his gifts, sanctifies us, and keeps us in the one true faith.
Biblical - Because we are evangelical - that is, centred on the Gospel - we are also a Biblical church. We believe that the Bible is the very Word of God and the only source and norm of doctrine in our church.
Confessional - Considering our high view of the Scriptures, how they are interpreted is also very important to us. As Lutherans, we believe that the creeds found in the Book of Concord 1580 are a true, faithful explanation and summary of what is taught in the Bible.
Catholic - As stated by the Lutheran reformers almost 500 years ago, "our churches dissent in no article of the faith from the Church Catholic, but only omit some abuses which are new, and which have been erroneously accepted by the corruption of the times" (Augsburg Confession). As Lutherans we believe that we preach the same faith and doctrine as the church throughout the ages. As such, our churches retain many traditional elements of the western church such as vestments and a formal liturgy.
Sacramental - One thing that separates Lutherans from many other "protestants" is our view of the sacraments:
The Eucharist: We believe that all who commune at the altar receive the very Body and Blood of Christ. Those who eat of it faithfully receive forgiveness of sins and grace while those who do not eat and drink judgment upon themselves (1 Cor. 11:29). Because of this belief, we also practice the loving and historic practice of closed communion.
Holy Baptism: We teach the infants and adults who receive Holy Baptism receive the forgiveness of sins and are reborn into God's family. As put by Luther in the Small Catechism, "[Baptism] works forgiveness of sins, delivers from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe, as the words and promises of God declare."
Confession/Absolution: As Lutherans we also believe that a Pastor serves as Christ's representative and can absolve or forgive penitent sinners in his stead (Jn. 20:23). As stated in the Augsburg Confession, "Our people are taught that they should highly prize the absolution, as being the voice of God, and pronounced by God's command."