|
|
| About Lutherans [2] [3] |
|
General: Lutherans represent the oldest (1517) and largest (72 million) protestant church body in the world - the original. We are conservative, biblical, evangelical, and protestant in character. Although we're found more in the mid-west and north-central states, there are Lutherans all over America with about 8 million members in the US. People from a variety of backgrounds like our solid biblical teachings, our basic conservative approach to theology, our simple but reverent worship and our loving, evangelical attitude.
|
Beliefs: Lutherans take the Bible and it's teachings seriously; we are a teaching and proclaiming church. We have been characterized as "the guardians of orthodoxy" and are considered theologically conservative. The central beliefs of Lutherans are seen in three key teachings:
-
"Bible Alone" - We believe that the Bible is the only source and norm for Christian teachings - not human ideas or philosophy or tradition. We believe the Bible is God's Word and timeless message to us (1 Thess. 2:13, 1 Cor. 2:13, 2 Tim. 3:15, John 17:17)
-
"Grace Alone" - We believe we are reconciled by God's loving grace in Christ (Rom. 3:20, John 3:16, Rom. 6:23, Eph. 2:8)
- "Faith Alone" - We accept this gift by faith, which is trusting in Christ and His life, death and resurrection in our place ( John 3:16, John 1:12, Rom. 5:1, Rom. 3:26
|
The Affirmation of Faith: The Apostle's Creed (ca. 215 AD)
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 buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose from the dead, He ascended into Heaven and sits on the right hand of God the Father almighty, from there 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!
|
The Lord's Prayer:
Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen!
|
Last updated: November 20, 2008
|
|
