... that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the inspired word of God and, thus, the only source and norm for Christian faith and practice.
... that the Book of Concord (confessional writings of the Lutheran Church) is a faithful and true exposition of Holy Scripture.
... that God has revealed Himself to be Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - one God of three persons.
... that God created man to live forever in perfect harmony with Him. But Adam & Eve brought sin into the world and we daily continue their sinful rebellion by choosing to place other things before God. Our sin separates us from God and leads to death. We are unable to overcome sin.
... that Jesus Christ suffered, died and rose again that we might be forgiven our sins and thus receive eternal life and salvation. All this He did, not due to our merit, but purely out of His grace and mercy. So also, Christ will come again to raise all believers to life everlasting.
... that the benefits of Christ's sufferings, death, and resurrection are delivered to us through the means which He has chosen - His Word (written and proclaimed), Holy Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. Through these seemingly simple gifts, the Holy Spirit creates and sustains faith.
... that Christ's people regularly gather together (Sunday morning and other special services) to receive Christ's gifts for the strengthening of faith. In response to His great gifts, we offer up our thanks and praise.
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2: 8-10
