Foundations V

Lutherans believe that people cannot be justified before God by anything they have done, do, or will do. Before God all are sinners and have fallen short of God’s glory. Everyone is equally condemned and damned by the Law (Romans 3:9-20).

Lutherans believe people are freely justified for Christ’s sake through faith. This faith is given by God freely, through grace, without anything we have done to earn it. Faith is a gift ((Ephesians 2:8-10).

To receive this gift, God established the Office of the Holy Ministry to preach His Word and administer His Sacraments. Through these Means of Grace, the Word & Sacraments, the Holy Spirit is given. The Spirit creates, grows, and sustains faith through these instruments. 

Lutherans worship because it is God’s will for us to be gathered around His Word & Sacraments. He gathers us. He serves us through His under shepherds with these Holy Means of Grace to create, sustain, and strengthen our faith.