The following statement is a brief summary of what we believe, teach, and confess:
God – The one and only true God is the Triune God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:20).
Sin – Every human being is conceived and born in sin, and is under the sentence of eternal death (Ephesians 2:1-10; Psalm 51:5).
Christ – Jesus Christ, true God and true man, is the only Savior from sin (John 1:1-3, 14). By His perfect life and sacrificial death, He won the forgiveness of sins for everyone (1 John 2:2). Jesus rose from the dead on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-5); and now reigns at the right hand of God, Lord of all (Ephesians 4:10-12).
Justification – We are justified, or declared not guilty, in the sight of God and rescued from sin, death, and damnation, not by our works, but by God’s undeserved kindness (grace), given as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-28).
Means of Grace: Word and Sacrament – The forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salvation, are offered and delivered to us through the Gospel, that is, in the preached and written Word, in the Holy Absolution, in Holy Baptism, and in the Lord’s Supper (Luke 24:47; Matthew 28:19; John 20:21-23; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
Christian Life: Repentance, Faith, Good Works – The Christian life is one of repentance and faith (Matthew 12:33). Good works are the fruit of faith in Christ (John 15:5).
Eternal Judgment, Eternal Salvation – Jesus Christ will return on the Last Day to raise all the dead, to condemn to hell and eternal punishment those who reject Him in unbelief, and to give eternal life to all who trust in Him for forgiveness, life, and salvation (Matthew 25:31-46).
Scripture – Holy Scripture is the written Word of God, without error and the only source, authority, and judge of all teaching and practice (John 5:39).
For a complete statement of our beliefs, see the confessions of the Lutheran Church in the Book of Concord.