While there are many written summaries of the Lutheran faith, we believe that the most helpful way to learn is through personal and direct communication. Thus, you are encouraged to call the church and speak to the pastor about a topic or issue about which you have questions.
Three Solas--Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Scripture Alone
A quick summary of what we believe can be found in the three solas--grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone.
We are saved by grace alone. By nature we are spiritually dead in our trespasses and sins. We are saved by God's grace alone which comes to us through Jesus Christ. We can make no decision for God since we are spiritually dead. Rather God calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies His people through His Spirit at work in His Word.
We are saved by faith alone and thus our works cannot save us. The only saving work was done by Jesus who lived a perfect life for us and died a sacrificial death for us on the cross of Calvary. Christians will do good works, not as a way to save themselves or assure themselves of salvation, but rather to give glory to God and to help their neighbor.
We believe that Scripture alone is the pure source and sole norm for all our teaching. Everything we believe, teach, and confess is measured next to Scripture alone.
The Book of Concord
Creeds
A longer summary of the Christian faith is found in The Book of Concord. One part of this book includes the church's creeds: the Apostles' creed, the Nicene creed, and the Athanasian creed. We believe, teach, and confess that God's Word especially concerning the Trinitarian nature of God is rightly summed up by these creeds. God is three persons--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit--but one God.
The Small Catechism
Another part of The Book of Concord is The Small Catechism. The catechism gives a summary of God's Word through six chief parts:
- the Ten Commandments
- the Apostles' Creed
- the Lord's Prayer
- the Sacrament of Holy Baptism
- Confession (and Absolution), and
- the Sacrament of the Altar.
Also contained in the catechism are Daily Prayers, the Table of Duties (which are Scripture verses concerning our vocations), and Christian Questions with their Answers. Once a person has learned what The Small Catechism says, they are encouraged to read also The Large Catechism. There are several other parts of The Book of Concord which give theological answers to a number of questions about the Christian faith.
More Help
A basic and topical index of the Lutheran faith can be found at our national synodical website where you may look at the "About" tab on the top of that web page and click on the "Beliefs" section to learn more.
And again, feel free to speak with Pastor Mark Maunula about any beliefs and practices of the Lutheran church!
Apostles' Creed
I believe in God the Father Almighty,
Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried.
He descended into hell.
The third day He rose again from the dead.
He ascended into heaven and sits on the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.
From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy Christian Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
Prayer
Blessed Lord,
since You have caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our learning,
grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn and take them to heart
that by patience and comfort of Your holy Word
we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life;
through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever. Amen.
