What Does It Mean To Be Lutheran?
The basis of all Lutheran teachings is the Bible. Martin Luther and the other reformers wrote a series of documents answering accusations that their teaching was contrary to commonly held beliefs and practices of the 15th century church. These defences and arguments, based upon the Bible, were presented before a series of theological gatherings. Eventually, they were compiled into The Book of Concord. These comprise the doctrine and confession of the Lutheran Church.
The only authority and basis for the Christian faith, teaching and life is the inspired, inerrant and infallible Word of God – the Bible; that is, the prophetic and apostolic Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
“Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is truth” (John 17:17).
The Bible and, as such, the Christian faith, is about Jesus Christ who alone is “the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6); and as He Himself says, “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about Me” (John 5:39).
“These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).
“You have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).
The chief articles or main teachings of the Christian faith are compiled in the Lutheran Confessions or Book of Concord of 1580 to which all pastors and congregations of Lutheran Church–Canada subscribe because they are drawn from and based on the Holy Scriptures.
What Do We Believe, Teach and Confess?
. . . “that God is one divine essence who is eternal, without a body, without parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness. He is the maker and preserver of all things, visible and invisible (Nehemiah 9:6). Yet there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). These three persons are of the same essence and power.” (Augsburg Confession I.2-3)
. . . “that since the fall of Adam (Romans 5:12), all who are naturally born are born with sin (Psalm 51:5), that is, without the fear of God, without trust in God, and with the inclination to sin.” (Augsburg Confession II.1)
. . . “that there is one Christ, true God and true man, who was born of the Virgin Mary, truly suffered, was crucified, died, and was buried. He did this to reconcile the Father to us and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt, but also for all actual sins of mankind (John 1:29). He also descended into hell, and truly rose again on the third day. Afterward, He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. There He forever reigns and has dominion over all creatures. . . The same Christ will openly come again to judge the living and the dead.” (Augsburg Confession III.1-4, 6)
. . . “that people cannot be justified before God by their own strengths, merits, or works. People are freely justified for Christ’s sake, through faith, when they believe that they are received into favor and that their sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake. By His death, Christ made satisfaction for our sins. God counts this faith for righteousness in His sight (Romans 3:21-26; 4:5).” (Augsburg Confession IV.1-3)
. . . “that the ministry of teaching the Gospel and administering the Sacraments was instituted so that we may obtain this faith. Through the Word and Sacraments, as through instruments, the Holy Spirit is given (John 20:22) who works faith, when and where it pleases God (John 3:8), in those who hear the good news that God justifies those who believe that they are received into grace for Christ’s sake.” (Augsburg Confession V.1-3)
. . . “that the Church is the congregation of saints (Psalm 149:1) in which the Gospel is purely taught and the Sacraments are correctly administered.” (Augsburg Confession VII.1)
. . . “that Baptism is necessary for salvation (Mark 16:16), that God’s grace is offered through Baptism (Titus 3:4-7), and that children are to be baptized (Acts 2:38-39), for being offered to God through Baptism, they are received into God’s grace.” (Augsburg Confession IX.1-2)
. . . “that in the Lord’s Supper Christ’s body and blood are truly and substantially present and are truly administered with those things that are seen – bread and wine – to those who receive the Sacrament.” (Apology X.54)
. . . that “the authority of the Keys (Matthew 16:19), or the authority of the bishops—according to the Gospel—is a power or commandment of God, to preach the Gospel, to forgive and retain sins, and to administer the Sacraments.” (Augsburg Confession XXVIII.5)
. . . “that it is necessary to do good works. This does not mean that we merit grace by doing good works, but because it is God’s will (Ephesians 2:10). It is only by faith, and nothing else, that forgiveness of sins is apprehended. The Holy Spirit is received through faith, hearts are renewed and given new affections, and then they are able to bring forth good works.” (Augsburg Confession XX.27-29)
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