The essence of the Good News is the unchanging truth that Jesus is Lord.
Concerning the Bible
It is the Book of Faith meant to bring its reader into an encounter with and faith in the Living Word of God, Jesus.
It is the inspired Word of God, meaning that study and such resources as the Augsburg Confession are endlessly helpful in one’s relationship with and understanding of it.
It is the norm for a Christian way of life.
Concerning Faith
At its core, faith is the ability to trust God to be God.
It is a gift, never earned but worked in us by the power of the Spirit.
It is the vehicle of our identity as disciples, our value as God’s children, and our purpose in service toward God’s whole creation.
Concerning Grace
God’s grace means that I don’t have to be or do anything to earn or keep God’s love, promises, or gifts. Rather, God’s grace means that I get to be and do everything as both a trust in, and thanksgiving for all that God has made sure without our belief.
It is the foundation of God’s ongoing and desired relationship with humanity.
It is the source of salvation.
Grace changes the nature of that relationship.
Concerning Salvation
It is not a possession that must be maintained. It is a reality to which we are called to wake
It is an unconditional gift made sure and irrevocable by Jesus as the Messiah.
As the gift of deliverance, salvation breaks the ability of sin, death, and evil to own, define, and govern us. Salvation’s promise of their complete demise is a reason for our endurance and hope.
As the gift of eternal life, salvation is a reality into and out of which the church is to live each day for the sake of the whole world
Concerning Baptism
Seeing the true value in baptism as found in the work and faithfulness of God, not in humans or their understanding, we baptize only once and often during infancy.
Baptism is a sacrament in which the church recognizes and participates in the full deliverance of the individual from sin, death, and the powers of evil, and affirms their identity, value, and purpose as fellow members of the church through the pouring out of the Spirit.
As Lutherans, baptism is one of two sacraments we recognize because it is directed by Jesus in the scriptures.
Concerning Communion
We take Jesus at his word when he says, “this is my body and blood.” While still bread and wine, we believe that Jesus is made truly present in, with, and under them in Communion.
Communion is a sacrament in which the church recognizes and participates the full deliverance that restores us to a right and close relationship with God as Jesus once again becomes a part of us and we a part of him.
As Lutherans, communion is one of two sacraments we recognize because it is directed by Jesus in the scriptures.