In many ways Lutherans are like other Christians and in other ways Lutherans are different. Like all Christians, Lutherans stand in direct succession to the followers of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago. Lutherans today state their faith using the words of the early church through the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds
The Lutheran Church has its roots in the Protestant Reformation. The biblical basis of Lutheran belief is: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God – not the result of works, so that no one may boast”. (Ephesians 2:8,9, NRSV)
How Lutherans understand and live out this belief is stated in the Augsburg Confession. Luther’s Small Catechism is still the basis of teaching in Lutheran churches both for young people and those interested in membership.
Lutherans confess the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God and the basis for what we believe, teach and do. Lutherans acknowledge two sacraments, Holy Baptism and Holy Communion, which are the Gospel in visible action bringing forgiveness, new life and the hope of the resurrection. The Word and the Sacraments are the Means of Grace whereby we become and remain the people of God in Jesus Christ.
Lutherans believe that the church is people whom a loving God has called to faith in Jesus Christ and sent on a mission to the world. It is the Holy Spirit who creates and sustains the church and leads the church in mission and service.