LUTHERANISM 101

The term “Lutheran” is actually very broad.  There are three large groups of Lutherans in America today and each one differs somewhere on key theological issues.  Ascension Lutheran Church is a member of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS).  We believe, teach, and confess that the Holy Bible is the Word of God.  We take a literal approach to scripture until context and relevant scripture urge us otherwise.

We carry the name “Lutheran” because of Martin Luther who lived in the 16^th century and became noted for his controversial stand against the Roman Catholic Church and its teachings.  Luther called for a return to Holy Scripture alone as a norm for our faith.  He pointed out the Holy Bible is clear that salvation is a free gift of God, and not something man has to earn or buy. 

As Lutherans, we believe that salvation is through the atoning death of Jesus Christ; that we come to that saving knowledge through the Holy Scriptures alone and in particular, the message of Christ crucified; and that the knowledge we receive through the scriptures is accepted by faith alone.  We deny that there is anything we can do to aid God in the work of salvation.

Lutheranism has nothing to do with the church building, the songs we sing, the church décor, or the pastor’s vestments.  Lutheranism is concerned with the saving message of Jesus Christ, taught in purity and truth so that all people might be saved.