This is a short summary designed to be read in sequence as each section builds upon the one that preceded it. After each section, there will be a few Bible verses cited for those who wish to see where the Scriptures teach these things, Or check out the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod website for more information. http://www.lcms.org
We believe there is only one true God in Essence, yet three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. How this is possible is beyond our understanding and yet this is what Jesus has taught. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19-20)
This collection of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament, were written down for our sake that we might know of God's great love for His creation and His plan for redemption. It was written over a period of many years, and yet is united by the Holy Spirit that inspired the writers to put down what God desired to be there. It contains all we need to know about our origins, our life, and our death, and serves as the standard for truth.
He was born to Mary in the town of Bethlehem during the reign of Caesar Augustus when Quirinius was governor of Syria. While He had an earthly mother, He was born without a human father for He was conceived by the Holy Spirit. He is both God and Man. He lived in the area of Nazareth and began to teach and gather disciples to Himself and performed many miracles, and taught the masses. He was crucified while Pontius Pilate governed in Jerusalem, and, on the third day, rose from the dead. Â He has ascended into heaven, and we await the day of His return. Â (Luke 1:26-2:52; Colossians 2:9; John 19-20; Luke 24:50-53; Matthew 25:31-46)Â
The Sacraments are gifts bestowed by God that His Grace may be given to us in this present time and moment. For it is good and salutary that Christ's death upon the Cross atoned for the sins of the whole world, but how do you know that you God really meant that forgiveness for you? So that you might know forgiveness is meant for you God has given the Sacraments.
In this Sacrament, God washes away all our sins, places His name upon us, regenerates and clothes us in the robes of Christ righteousness. Â It is not merely a sign or symbol, it is God actually doing these things to you. The only reason this is possible is because of God's Promise to do this in these waters. Â (Matthew 28:19; Acts 2:38-39; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21)
In this Sacrament, Jesus feeds us and nourishes us with His own Body and Blood in, with, and under the Bread and Wine. This unites us with our Lord and Savior and gives us eternal life, forgiveness and salvation. Despite all these wonderful gifts that the Lord's Supper gives, there is also a very real threat to those who take it unworthily, so much so that we ask people to wait until they have been instructed to partake of the Lord's Supper. (Luke 22:7-23; 1 Corinthians 11:27-34)
There is only one way to paradise. Â It is through the Blood of Christ. It is by Grace alone through faith alone in Christ. There is no other way. But God being good and gracious and loving has given this as a gift to you.Â
Lutherans are not followers of Martin Luther. It describes a set of beliefs that are explained within a book called the Book of Concord. http://www.bookofconcord.org/Â We are first and foremost faithful to the Bible above all else, and we believe that the Book of Concord is a correct explanation of what the Bible teaches. http://www.lcms.org/lutheranconfessions