What is the origin of
Lutheran Christianity?
What do Lutheran
Christians believe about creation?
What do Lutheran
Christians believe about sin?
What Sacraments do
Lutheran Christians celebrate?
What do Lutheran
Christians believe about eternal life?
What must a person do
to be saved?
What steps are required to become a Lutheran Christian?
What is the origin of
Lutheran Christianity?
Martin Luther (born November 10, 1483, in Eisleben, Germany, died February 18, 1546, in Eisleben) is the theologian whose theological system has been to a great extent adopted in the Lutheran Confessions. He had studied to become a lawyer before becoming an Augustinian monk in 1505, and was ordained a priest in 1507. While continuing his studies in pursuit of a Doctor of Theology degree, he discovered significant differences between what he read in the Bible and the theology and practices of the Church. On October 31, 1517, he posted a challenge on the Church door at Wittenberg University to debate 95 theological issues. Luther's hope was that the church would reform its practice and preaching to be more consistent with the Word of God as contained in the Bible. What started as an academic debate escalated to a religious war, fueled by fiery temperaments and violent language on both sides. As a result, there was not a reformation of the church but a separation. "Lutheran" was a name applied to Luther and his followers as an insult but adopted as a badge of honor by them instead.
Lutheran Christianity in America embraces various strains. Saint John Church is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, a five-million strong denomination. The viewpoints expressed on this website represent those of the Evangelical Church.
What do Lutheran
Christians believe about creation?
Since Lutheran Christianity accepts the Bible as the source and norm of all doctrine, the Biblical account of Genesis is accepted as received. The vast majority of Lutherans, however, recognize, receive, and appreciate the contributions of scientific discovery. The presence of an event and then a process is seen as a fundamental precept of existence, and while there appears to have been special creation, there also appears to have been an evolutionary process within each species.
Lutherans may differ on the various aspects of creationism and evolutionary teaching without incurring the chastisement of the Church. In all of Lutheran Christianity’s approach, we seek not to major in minors.
What do Lutheran Christians believe about sin?
With Saint Paul (Romans 3:23) that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We believe in original sin communicated to us by our first parents in Paradise. We also believe with Saint Paul, however, (Romans 8:1) that there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. Because Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, we believe that through faith in Him our sin is forgiven.
What Sacraments do Lutheran Christians celebrate?
We celebrate Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Holy Absolution in our Lutheran Confessions is said to be able to be called a sacrament, but it lacks the visible signs of Baptism and Communion. We believe that Holy Baptism is a washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5), and that the Holy Spirit works faith in the hearts of infants and small children who are baptized. We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ pours out His Spirit upon the baptized. No mode of Baptism is specified, but our normal practice is pouring. Holy Communion is for us the communion of the Body of Christ and the Blood of Christ in, with, or under the elements of bread and wine (I Corinthians 10:16).
What do Lutheran
Christians believe about eternal life?
We believe that when our Lord returns, we shall see Him as He is, for we shall be like Him (I John 3:2).
What must a person do to be saved?
This question was profoundly answered by Paul and Silas when asked by the Philippian jailer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household."” (Acts 16:31)
What steps are
required to become a Lutheran Christian?
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is the only requirement to become a part of a Lutheran parish. We also practice the rite of Confirmation, but persons confirmed in other Churches need not be confirmed again. Likewise, all baptisms in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit are accepted.