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“A Christian is a perfectly free lord of all, subject to none. A Christian is a perfectly dutiful servant of all,
subject to all.” --Martin Luther
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History of Lutheran Church
Martin Luther (1483-1546) is known as
the Father of Protestantism. Before becoming a priest in 1507 he studied to become
a lawyer. While studying to become a Doctor of Theology he discovered significant
differences between what he read in the Bible and the beliefs and practices of the Church.
On October 31, 1517 he challenged Wittenberg University in Germany to a debate on 95 theological issues. What started as a debate and attempt to reform the Church, escalated into religious division; fueled by
fiery temperaments and violent language on both sides. As a result there was
not a reformation but a separation. “Lutheran” was a name applied
to Luther and his followers.
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Sacraments of Lutheran Church Lutherans
accept two Sacraments as God-given means for penetrating the lives of people with his grace.
Although they are not only the means of God’s self-revelation, Baptism and Holy Communion are visible acts of
God’s love. In Baptism, especially infant Baptism, God freely offers his
grace and lovingly establishes a new community. In Holy Communion—also
call the Lord’s Supper or the Eucharist—those who come to the table receive in bread and wine the body and blood
of Jesus himself. This gift is the real presence of God’s forgiveness and
mercy, nourishing believers in an union with their Lord and with each other.
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Three Basic Lutheran Principles
Lutherans hold to three basic
principles of theology and practices.
- We
are saved by the grace of God alone—not by anything we do.
- Our
salvation is through faith alone—we only need to believe that our sins are forgiven for Christ’s sake,
who died to redeem us.
- The Bible is the only norm of doctrine
and life.
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Luther said,
“the Bible is the manger in which the Word of God is laid.” It is
accepted as the primary and authoritative witness to the church’s faith. It
is the authority for the Christian faith and practice, not a definitive record of history or science. In the Old Testament is found the vivid account of God’s covenant relationship to Israel. In the New Testament is found the story of God’s new covenant with all
of creation in Jesus. The Bible is the record of the drama of God’s saving
care for creation throughout history.
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