GOD

Lutherans teach that God is triune, that is, one God in three persons – the Father, creator of all that exists; Jesus Christ, the Son, who became human to suffer and die for the sins of all human beings and to rise to life again in the ultimate victory over death and Satan; and the Holy Spirit, who creates faith through God's Word and Sacraments. The three persons of the Trinity are coequal and coeternal, one God; and that to ignore or deny one is to discredit all. 

References: Deuteronomy 6:4,  Matthew 28:19; John 5:23; 1 John 2:23; Genesis 1:1; 1 John 2:1-2, Romans 15:13

SIN

Lutherans teach that every thought, word, and deed contrary to God’s Law is sin; that every human being is a sinner by nature; that all evil, death, and suffering in the world is the consequence of sin; and that sin separates us eternally from God.

References: 1 John 3:4, John 3:6, Genesis 8:21; Romans 5:12; Psalm 5:4

BAPTISM

Lutherans teach that God has instituted and commanded baptism; that God Himself is present as His name is joined to the water, with all His power and all His blessings of forgiveness of sins, life and salvation; that it is intended for old and young alike without exception and may be administered by sprinkling, pouring, or immersing; in Holy Baptism, we receive all the blessings of Christ’s atoning sacrifice; and, thus, our entire life is a life lived trusting in the promises of God, given to us in and through Holy Baptism.

References: Matthew 28:19, Titus 3:5, Mark 10:14, Acts 16:15, Hebrews 10:22, Acts 22:16, Acts 2:28, Mark 16:16.

THE LORD’S SUPPER

Lutherans teach that the Lord’s Supper “is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink”; that we do not try to explain how Jesus is present under the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper, rather we simply take Christ at His word; and that in the Lord’s Supper Christ is coming among us, under the bread and wine, to be with us, to join Himself to us, to forgive, renew and strengthen us.  Those attending the Sacrament should trust in God’s promise of His presence in the Lord’s Supper, confess their sins, trust in Jesus as Savior, and desire to live a Godly life.

References: Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 Corinthians 11:26-29; Matthew 7:6

 

 

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