What it Means to be Lutheran

     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. And fundamental to our doctrine is the fact that salvation is by grace alone through faith, and that no one can choose God by their natural will, or do anything to earn God’s favor and salvation.

     We carry the name “Lutheran,” because that was the name given to the group of reformers led by a man named Martin Luther who lived in the 16th century. He, along with many others desired to see the Roman Catholic Church amend some of its erroneous teachings. They had no desire in the beginning to split or begin a new church body, but after attempts to have the Roman Catholic Church reform its wayward teaching, the group began its own church body, and kept the name “Lutheran,” which had been their label during their efforts to reform.

     As Lutherans, we believe that all people have sinned and fallen short of what God expects of them.  But we also believe, because it is in the Holy Scriptures, that God redeems us from sin through the death and resurrection of His Son, who became sin for us.  We believe that we cannot by our own will or strength do what is good or trust in God, and that the only way to be what God wants us to be, is to be reborn through faith in Him.  This rebirth is accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God, in particular, the message of the Cross. We can do nothing to earn, or will, our salvation; rather, our salvation is accomplished for us by Christ and we receive it through trust in Christ that comes via hearing the Word. That is why we preach the message of Christ Crucified, for it is the power of God unto salvation. The message of Jesus’ love is life saving and life changing!

     In a Lutheran church, you will not be urged to “make a decision,” or “turn your life over to Jesus.”  You will rather be exposed to the life changing and faith creating Word of God and the Holy Spirit will do the work of bringing you to faith.

     Lutheranism ultimately is not about Luther, but about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and all that He has done for us that we might have everlasting life in His name.