About Lutherans
Confession of Faith of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America
from the
Constitution of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
- This church confesses the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit.
- This church confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and
the Gospel as the power of God for the salvation of all who
believe
- Jesus Christ is the Word of God incarnate, through whom
everything was made and through whose life, death, and
resurrection God fashions a new creation.
- The proclamation of God's message to us as both Law and
Gospel is the Word of God, revealing judgment and mercy through
word and deed, beginning with the Word in creation, continuing
in the history of Israel, and centering in all its fullness in
the person and work of Jesus Christ.
- The canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the
written Word of God. Inspired by God's Spirit speaking through their
authors, they record and announce God's revelation centering in
Jesus Christ. Through them God's Spirit speaks to us to create and
sustain Christian faith and fellowship for service in the world.
- This church accepts the canonical Scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the
authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith,
and life.
- This church accepts the
Apostles',
Nicene, and
Athanasian Creeds as true declarations of the faith of this
church.
- This church accepts the Unaltered Augsburg Confession as a true witness to
the Gospel, acknowledging as one with it in faith and doctrine all churches that
likewise accept the teachings of the Unaltered Augsburg Confession.
- This church accepts the other confessional writings in the Book
of Concord, namely, the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, the
Smalcald Articles and the Treatise, the Small Catechism, the Large
Catechism, and the Formula of Concord, as further valid
interpretations of the faith of the Church.
- This church confesses the Gospel, recorded in the Holy
Scriptures and confessed in the ecumenical creeds and
Lutheran confessional writings, as the power of God to
create and sustain the Church for God's mission in the
world.
Essential Questions - Christianity and Lutheranism
If you
have questions about Christianity or what Lutherans believe, please
see the ELCA website at "Essential
Questions..." or make an appointment to visit with our pastor.
Resources
A stained glass window in the worship sanctuary.
Visit the ELCA website to learn about Lutheran theology, social
statements, ministries, and other resources available to member
congregations and individuals.
Visit the online version of the Lutheran Magazine for articles
from the current and previous issues.
