What we believe
In order to get a good grasp on the teachings of the Lutheran Church, we suggest that you read the Small Catechism. In this book, Martin Luther summarizes the basic principles of the Christian faith. Luther wrote this book so that fathers could teach their households the Christian faith, just as Moses commanded the nation of Israel to do in Deuteronomy 6:4-7.
The Small Catechism is divided into six chief parts and is a road map to help with the study of the Holy Bible. A brief summary of the teachings found in the catechism are as follows:
- In the Ten Commandments God gives to us His law which demands perfect obedience. Through the law we come to realize that all have sinned and deserve eternal punishment.
- However the great love of the Father has no end as He sent forth his only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins and for the sins of the whole world and to give us eternal life.
- The Holy Spirit creates faith in us by the power of the Word of God. This Gospel message, about Christ paying the price for our sins, is completely a gift of God-- not something we earn.
- In baptism, water is connected with the Word of God. As we are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, we become God's children, our sins are forgiven, and we are given eternal life.
- Pastors have been sent by God to the church to forgive the sins of the penitent, to preach the Word of the Lord, and to administer the sacraments according to the Gospel.
- In the Lord's Supper we receive the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ to eat and to drink. In this great gift we receive the forgiveness of sins, the strengthening of our faith, and the gift of life and salvation.
To learn more about the doctrine of the Lutheran Church please read:
