WE BELIEVE

 

Lutheranism 101

Maybe you’re wondering, “What is a Lutheran?”  First and foremost, we are part of the Christian tradition dating from the days of the apostles and born out of the 16th century reform of the western Church that can be described in four words. We are evangelical, catholic, ecumenical and reforming. These words need some definition, so read on:
 

evangelical

Evangelical comes from a Greek word which means centered in the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) chose to use this word in its name because it expresses the heart of Lutheran theology. (The term evangelicals is often used today to refer to conservative Christians, fundamentalists, and the “religious right.”—that is NOT the way we use that term.)

Justification by grace through faith is a defining phrase for Lutherans.

  • Lutheran theology is centered in grace, God’s unconditional love for us.
  • Justification refers to the way we are made right with God despite our sin and self-centeredness.
  • The Church at the time of Augustinian Monk Martin Luther (early 1500’s) had become corrupt in some ways and at that time and many in the Church taught that you earned salvation and your way to heaven through good works. Martin Luther, basing his teaching on Scripture, taught that we are justified by grace, not works.
  •  Grace means that everything begins with God’s initiative.
  •  Our relationship with God is not determined by our good works, our behavior or our being holy and spiritual. Rather God loves and accepts us unconditionally. In baptism we receive the gift of God’s never-ending love.
  •  Our faith, our service and our good works (which are important) are a response to God’s gracious initiative, not the way to earn it. Our whole lives are a response to what we receive in baptism.

 

Lutherans and the Bible

  • Lutherans read the Bible through the lens of the gospel, the good news. The gospel is the message of forgiveness, freedom, new life, unconditional love and acceptance that we receive through Christ.
  • Lutherans do not give equal weight to all of the Bible; Martin Luther taught that the proclamation of the gospel had ultimate authority.
  •  Lutherans define the Word of God first as Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. The Word is also  the proclamation of the gospel (in preaching, sacraments, and through word and deed).
  • The Bible is the Word of God in that it bears witness to the gospel of Christ.
 

catholic

Lutherans are catholic—-part of the universal Church through the ages and around the world. The word catholic comes from a Greek word simply meaning, “universal and orthodox,” the Christian faith and practice of all ages. In the Nicene Creed we affirm we believe in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. Lutherans embrace the fullness of the Church’s tradition. Lutherans claim to be part of the catholic (not Roman) Church rather than a separate sect.

To be catholic means:

  • we share in affirm the central articulation of the Christian faith in the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds.
  • we honor and share the scriptures as the authoritative source and norm for our proclamation.
  • we celebrate the gospel sacraments of baptism and holy communion (where Christ is truly present); while still retaining the rites of Confession & Absolution, Ordination, Anointing the Sick, Marriage, and Confirmation.  
  • we use a liturgy with a basic pattern in common with Christians around the world and through the ages;
  • we use a lectionary (cycle of scripture readings) in common with most Christians around the world.
 

ecumenical

Lutherans in the ELCA are committed to the oneness and unity we have in Jesus Christ.  We seek healing for the brokenness and divisions of the Church through history. We strive for unity in order that our witness to the world will be stronger and more effective.

The ELCA is in full communion with these denominations:

  • The Episcopal Church
  • United Methodist Church
  • Presbyterian Church, USA
  • The Moravian Church
  • Reformed Church in America
  • United Church in Christ

 

Full communion means:
  • a common confession of the essentials of Christian faith.
  • mutual recognition of Baptism and a sharing of the Lord’s Supper (Eucharist).
  • allowing for joint worship and an exchange of members.
  • mutual recognition and availability of ordained ministers to the service of all members of churches in full communion.
  • a common commitment to evangelism, witness and service.
  • a means of decision making on critical issues of faith and life.
  • a mutual lifting of any condemnations that exist between churches. 
 

Lutherans and Roman Catholics:

A joint statement by the Lutheran World Federation and the Vatican removed the mutual condemnations of Lutherans and Roman Catholics in the 16th century over justification, and offers the possibility of greater unity between these churches.
 

reforming

Sometimes Lutheranism is defined as a “reforming movement” within the Church catholic. In each age the gospel continues to challenge the Church to be faithful. We are reforming because we continue to adapt traditions or social teachings in order that they will further the proclamation of the gospel.

 

Being ever reforming means things like these:
  • Ordination of women and women leading worship.
  • Full acceptance and inclusion of the gifts of members of the LGBTQ community.
  • Use of contemporary language in worship (from “thou” to “you”).
  • Use of inclusive language for people;
  • Use of expansive language and metaphors for God.
  • More leadership by lay people in the liturgy.
  • Music from diverse styles and ethnic traditions.
  • Recovering of catholic (universal and ancient) worship traditions
The ELCA seeks to be faithful to the gospel while addressing the ever-changing contemporary situations in society. The ELCA produces social
statements as a prophetic voice to society on issues such as abortion, human sexuality, criminal justice, the death penalty, care of creation and economic injustice. At the same time, there is a sense that individual members of the ELCA may come to different conclusions based on their own conscience and beliefs.
 

How Do We Live Out Our Christian Faith?

In the promises made through our Baptism, we are called to live out the baptismal covenant: 
  • Live among God’s faithful people and welcome all people into Christian fellowship.
  • Faithfully attend the services of God’s house, hearing the word of God and sharing in Holy Communion. 
  • Engage in regular opportunities nurture prayer and Christian learning, studying faithfully the Holy Scriptures.
  • Be good stewards of God’s gifts as we joyfully give back to the church our time, talents and financial support for our ministry missions.
  • Proclaim the good news of God in Christ in word and deed.
  • Serve all people following the example of Jesus.
  • Strive for justice and peace in all the earth.  
 
Have questions? Contact us at (561) 732-2929 or email our office:Contact Ascension Lutheran Church