Here’s the Basics

Grace

We believe that we are saved (justified) by Jesus Christ. We cannot obtain forgiveness through our own merit or work, but we receive forgiveness and become righteous before God out of grace for Christ’s sake through faith when we fully trust that Jesus has died for us and for his sake we are forgiven and receive eternal life. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—  not the result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8

Scripture

At Christ Lutheran Church we accept the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of our proclamation, faith, and life. Or as found in Second Timothy, “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.” 2Tim 3:16

Faith

Faith is a gift from the Holy Spirit. As Martin Luther writes eloquently in the Small Catechism, “I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him, but instead the Holy Spirit has called me through the gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, made me holy and kept me in the true faith…” “Faith is a vital, deliberate trust in God’s grace” (Luther) instilled in us by the Holy Spirit: We trust, believe, and have faith in Christ alone.