What's a Lutheran?

First and foremost Lutherans are Christians. As all Christians share the same central beliefs of Christianity, and Lutherans are among that group.  Secondarily, while we share the same saving relationship with God, each denomination may have a unique understanding of some practice in their faith.   The Lutheran emphasis, in a word, is God’s grace.

Lutherans share the basic beliefs that all Christians hold

Lutherans point to time-honored creeds throughout Christian history as faithful guides to what is central to the Christian faith.  These creeds at their heart teach:  God is Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  God created the world.  Jesus was the Word of God become human, born of the Virgin Mary.  He was 100% God born 100% human, and was sent out of deep love for his people to die for us on a cross to forgive us our sin and redeem the world.   He was raised from the dead bodily on the third day to make us his own through faith and promises his very indwelling eternal life giving presence to all who believe.  He ascended to the right hand of the Father and will come again to judge the world, living and dead.  Jesus sent his Holy Spirit to work out his plans for humanity both individually and collectively and gather his church, through which he continues to reach out to the whole world. All Christians believe these things formally or informally and find these things to be central.  

Lutheran Distinctives

Lutherans emphasize God’s grace.  Grace is a free gift from God though we sinful people do not deserve it, but because God loves us so much that He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to suffer the consequence of sin (death) on the cross in our place.  Through Christ's blood, believers are sanctified and justified with God and set free from the condemnation of the law.  

We preach both law and gospel:  the law shows us our sins, and the gospel shows us God's grace and forgiveness.  We are saved by His grace through faith in Him.

Luther came to understand that it is God who justifies by his grace; it is not an act of man.  “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:5-7  Other basic important themes also are seen through this emphasis.  For instance, sanctification is experienced by grace.  “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope…” Titus 2:11-3  When speaking of faith Lutherans remember “God is the author of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)  When speaking of good works Lutherans remember that they are to be done as an expression of Christ in us, not as a means for earning God's grace.  Lutheran preaching and teaching get constantly filtered through this lens of God’s grace.

More Lutheran Emphases

Learn about our history.  Learn about Lutheran watchwords such as Grace Alone, Word Alone, and Faith Alone.  Learn about the priesthood of all believers.  Learn about Lutheran preaching of law and gospel.  Learn why the gospel sets us free to serve our neighbor in a multitude of ways in God’s world without ever feeling like we are earning God’s love and favor by that service.  Learn how God’s grace is powerfully experienced through God’s Word, in Holy Communion, and in baptism. Basic Lutheran confessions may be found in The Book of Concord  (a large book which can be downloaded for free).

There is much to learn about all this.  But know first and foremost that we want for you what the whole Christian church wants for you, to experience Jesus’ love for you that redeems and sets you free to be people of God.