What do Lutheran's Believe?

What do Lutherans Believe?

SUB-HEADINGS

A Summary Statement of Belief

Lutherans and the Bible

The Creeds (General Comments)

The Apostle's Creed

The Nicene Creed

The Athanasian Creed (Our Triune God)

The Lutheran Confessions

A Summary of the Augsburg Confession

Martin Luther's Seal

A Summary Statement of Belief

Lutherans confess (to declare faith in, or adherence to) the faith of the apostolic Christian Church as it is taught in the three Ecumenical (Universal) Creeds, Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian. Namely, that there is only one true God, and yet in this one God there are three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

Where is the 'Trinity' found in the Bible?

Lutherans confess that all are conceived and born sinful, standing under God's wrath and are unable to save themselves.

Lutherans confess that God the Son was born of the virgin Mary. This Jesus Christ, who is true God and true man, died on the cross and rose to life again in order to save the world from God's wrath. He ascended into heaven and we now wait for Him to return on the Last Day to judge both the living and the dead.

Lutherans confess that we are saved by God's grace, for Christ's sake, through faith alone.

Lutherans confess that this saving faith comes to us as Gods free gift through the work of the Holy Spirit as Christ's Church proclaims the Gospel and administers the Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper).

Why do Lutherans baptize babies?

Lutherans confess that the only authority for Christian teaching and life which is never in error, and never leads us astray is God's Holy Word, which He has given to us in the Old and New Testaments. For Lutherans Scripture (The Holy Bible) is the final authority in all matters of faith and practice.

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Lutherans and the Holy Bible Confessional Lutherans believe that the Bible is inspired.
That is, "men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." 2 Peter 1:21 NIV

"We believe, teach and confess that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God the Holy Spirit and that God is therefore the true Author of every word of Scripture." ("A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles" adopted by The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, 50th Regular Convention, July 6-12, 1973, adopted by LC–C at the founding convention.)

"This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." 1 Corinthians 2:13 NIV

"I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." Galatians 1:11-12 NIV

Luther writes:

"The Holy Spirit Himself and God, the Creator of all things, is the Author of this book." (168)

"One should have a pure faith, one that believes nothing that is not grounded in Scripture. All that we are to believe, aye, more than enough, is in Scripture." (260)

Confessional Lutherans believe that the Bible is inerrant, or infallible (without error.)

"With Luther, we confess that "God's Word cannot err" (LC, IV, 57). We therefore believe, teach, and confess that since the Holy Scriptures are the Word of God, they contain no errors or contradictions but that are in all their parts and words the infallible truth. We hold that the opinion that Scripture contains errors is a violation of the "sola scriptura" principle, for it rests upon the acceptance of some norm or criterion of truth above the Scriptures. We recognize that there are apparent contradictions or discrepancies and problems which arise because of uncertainty over the original text." ("A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles" adopted by The Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod, 50th Regular Convention, July 6-12, 1973, adopted by LC–C at the founding convention.)

"Praise be to the Lord, who has given rest to his people Israel just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses." 1 Kings 8:56 NIV

"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth." John 17:17 NIV

" . . . Scripture cannot be broken." John 10:35 NIV

Luther writes:

"Scripture has never erred." ([geirret] LW 32 II, AE Vol. 32. p. 11, Sl 15, 1481)

"Scripture will not contradict itself on any one article of faith, even though to your mind a contradiction and an irreconcilability exist." (219)

"The word is so completely above criticism that there is not one iota of a mistake in the Law and the divine promises. Therefore we are to yield to no sect; nor are we to yield in any point of Scripture, however much men clamor and slander, saying that we are violating love by adhering so strictly to the words . . . ." (4415)

Confessional Lutherans, with Luther, place themselves under Scripture to be judged by it, not over it to judge it!

"We are to search says He, not to sit in judgment; not to be masters, but pupils; not to inject our notions into Scripture, but get Christ's testimony out of it; and as long as Christ is not found aright in it, it is also not being searched aright." (241)

Confessional Lutherans pray with the Church through the ages:

Blessed Lord, who hast caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning, grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of Thy holy Word we may embrace and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which Thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God world without end. AMEN.

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The Ecumenical Creeds

The word 'creed' comes from the Latin Word credo, which simply means "I believe." Thus a creed is a statement, or confession (declaring faith in, or adherence to something), of what one believes.

There are three Ecumenical (or universal) Creeds which all Christians accept (if not the creed itself, certainly the teachings they contain), the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian. They clearly define for us what constitutes Christianity. These Creeds form the core teachings or confessions of the Christian Church. These Creeds form the one area where all Christians agree.

For Lutherans these Creeds form a part of our basic confession of faith which is found in the Book of Concord.

(To the best of my knowledge the translations of the Creeds

which follow are in the public domain.)

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The Apostle's Creed

The Apostles Creed - the Holy Apostles did not write this creed but it does contain their teachings. It is the earliest of the three creeds and is a basic summary of our Christian faith. We find this creed being used in the early Church in both the baptismal and worship services. The Apostles Creed does three things for us. First, it gives us a simple way of telling others what we believe. Secondly, it gives Christians a basic statement of faith in which we celebrate our oneness in Christ. Thirdly, it gives us a handy tape measure to see if certain teachings are Christian or not.
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary; suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead; He ascended into heaven And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; From thence He shall come to judge the quick and dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the Holy Christian Church, the Communion of Saints, the Forgiveness of sins, the Resurrection of the Body, and the Life everlasting. Amen

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The Nicene Creed

Nicene Creed - This creed seems to have been developed out of the early baptismal statement of the Church and was written in particular to safeguard the deity of Jesus Christ. Namely, the fact that Jesus is true God as well as true man. There were some people in those days (the early 300's) who thought that physical things were evil. Since they knew Jesus was true man they reasoned that there was no way that he could also be true God. They taught that Jesus was mere man. Still others went the other direction and taught that Jesus not man and only God. So it was in the year 325 A.D. that the Roman Emperor called together a Church Council to settle the dispute. One of the prominent leaders was a man by the name Athanasius. Eventually, after much study the majority of the pastors agreed on the teachings contained in what we now call the Nicene Creed. This creed clearly states that Jesus is both True God as well as True Man. Eight years after Athanasius died (fifty-six years after the previous council) all Christians re-affirmed this creed.

I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.

And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, begotten of His Father before all worlds, God of God, Light of Light, Very God of Very God, Begotten, not made, Being of one substance with the Father, By whom all things were made; Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven And was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary And was made man; And was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried; And the third day He rose again according to the Scriptures; And ascended into heaven, And sitteth on the right hand of the Father; And He shall come again with glory to judge both the quick (living) and the dead; Whose kingdom shall have no end.

And I believe in the Holy Ghost, The Lord and Giver of Life, Who proceedeth from the Father and the Son, Who with the Father and the Son together is worshiped and glorified, Who spake by the Prophets. And I believe one holy Christian and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, And I look for the resurrection of the dead, And the life of the world to come. AMEN.

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Athanasian Creed

This creed was written to safeguard the Biblical teaching concerning the Holy Trinity. It contains the essence of the first four Church Councils (meetings at which all of the early Christian churches were represented) and is a summary of what the Bible teaches concerning God. At the time this creed was written Athanasius had been dead a long time. Yet, people were still trying to convince others that Jesus was not God. So, based on the clear teachings of Scripture this creed was written to affirm that Jesus was true God as well as true Man.

Where is the 'Trinity' found in the Bible?

Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that

he hold the catholic (i.e., universal, Christian) faith.

Which faith except everyone do keep whole and undefiled,

without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.

And the catholic faith is this, that we worship one God in Trinity

and Trinity in Unity, Neither confounding the Persons nor

dividing the Substance.

For there is one Person of the Father, another of the Son,

and another of the Holy Ghost.

But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son,

and of the Holy Ghost is all one: the glory equal, the majesty coeternal.

Such as the Father is, such is the Son, and such is the Holy Ghost.

The Father uncreate, the Son uncreate, and the Holy Ghost uncreate,

The Father incomprehensible, the Son incomprehensible,

and the Holy Ghost incomprehensible.

The Father eternal, the Son eternal, and the Holy Ghost eternal.

And yet they are not three Eternal, but one Eternal.

As there are not three Uncreated nor three Incomprehensibles,

but one Uncreated and one Incomprehensible.

So likewise the Father is almighty, the Son almighty,

and the Holy Ghost almighty.

And yet they are not three Almighties, but one Almighty.

So the Father is God, the Son is God, and the Holy Ghost is God.

And yet they are not three Gods, but one God.

So likewise the Father is Lord, the Son Lord, and the Holy Ghost Lord.

And yet not three Lords, but one Lord.

For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity to acknowledge

every Person by Himself to be God and Lord,

So are we forbidden by the catholic religion to say,

There be three Gods or three Lords.

The Father is made of none, neither created nor begotten.

The Son is of the Father alone, not made nor created, but begotten,

The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son,

neither made nor created not begotten, but proceeding.

So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons;

one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts.

An in this Trinity none is before or after other;

none is greater or less than another;

But the whole three Persons are coeternal together and coequal,

so that in all things, as is aforesaid, the Unity in Trinity

and the Trinity in Unity is to be worshiped.

He therefore, that will be saved must thus think of the Trinity,

Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation that he also believe faithfully

the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ.

For the right faith is that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ,

the Son of God, is God and Man;

God of the Substance of the Father, begotten before the worlds;

and Man of the substance of His mother, born in the world;

Perfect God and perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting.

Equal to the Father as touching His Godhead

and inferior to the Father as touching His manhood;

Who, although He be God and Man, yet He is not two, but one Christ:

One, not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh,

but by taking the manhood into God;

One altogether; not by confusion of Substance, but by unity of Person.

For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man, so God and Man is one Christ;

Who suffered for our salvation; descended into hell;

rose again the third day from the dead; He ascended into heaven;

He sitteth on the right hand of the Father, God Almighty;

from whence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.

At whose coming all men shall rise again with their bodies

and shall give an account of their own works.

And they that have done good shall go onto life everlasting;

and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire.

This is the catholic faith;

which except a man believe faithfully and firmly, he cannot be saved.

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The Lutheran Confessions

All Lutheran doctrine (teaching) is to be taken from Holy Scripture. Our Lutheran Confessions are very explicit on this point. ". . . the Word of God shall establish articles of faith and no one else, not even an angel." (S.A. Part II, The Mass, 15, Tappert page 295.) "We receive and embrace with our whole heart the Prophetic and Apostolic Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the pure, clear fountain of Israel, which is the only true standard by which teachers and doctrines are to be judged." (F.C., Th. D., sum., 3, Triglot, p. 851) Holy Scripture is the only source and the absolute norm of our faith.

The Lutheran Confessions, or Symbols are seen as secondary norms, or as true declarations of the doctrines of Holy Scripture, which all who would call themselves Lutheran must confess and teach. For this reason the confessional Lutheran Church demands of all its public teachers and ministers a bona-fide subscription to all its Confessions as the pure and unadulterated declarations of God's Word. (We call this a "quia" subscription – that is we subscribe to the Confessions "because" they are truly scriptural.) To put it another way. Holy Scripture is the deciding norm, it is absolutely necessary. The Bible decides what is true or false doctrine. The Confessions are the distinguishing norm, they are only relatively necessary. They determine whether or not a person has correctly understood the true doctrines of Scripture.

The Lutheran Confessions are that which make Lutherans Lutheran! They are:

The Ecumenical Creeds,
The Small and Large Catechisms of Dr. Martin Luther
The Smalcald Articles (Luther)
The Augsburg Confession and its Apology (Defense) written by Dr. Philip Melanchthon
The Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope (Melanchthon)
The Formula of Concord with the primary authors being Jacob Andreae, Martin Chemnitz, Nicolaus Selnecker, David Chytraeus, Christoph Koerner, Andreas Musculus.

These writings are contained the The Book of Concord.

Project Wittenberg — This site contains many source documents, including the Augsburg Confession (entire), the Roman Catholic response to the Augsburg Confession – The Confutation (Confutatio Pontificia), Luther's Large and Small Catechisms, The Smalcald Articles, and the Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope . . . as well as many other documents of interest.

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A Summary of the Augsburg Confession What Evangelical Lutherans Believe, Teach and Confess

The purpose of this summary is to introduce you or to reacquaint you with the teachings of the Church of the Augsburg Confession, more commonly known as the Evangelical Lutheran Church.

As a result of the writings of the Augustinian monk Dr. Martin Luther in the early 1500's, the Reformation of the Christian Church spread throughout Europe and England. In the face of great opposition, the early Lutheran reformers boldy proclaimed that all church teachings and doctrines must come from Scripture alone. In harmony with the Apostolic teachings, these Confessions are in agreement with that which was proclaimed by the ancient Church.

Article 1 - On God

We believe, teach and confess there is one divine essence who is called and is truly God (Deut. 6:4) and that there are three persons in this one divine essence (1 John 5:7) equal in power and alike eternal. God the Father (2 Peter 1:17), God the Son (Heb. 1:8), God the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:3-4).

Article 2 - On Original Sin

We believe, teach and confess that since the fall of Adam all people who are born according to the course of nature are conceived and born in sin. By that we teach that inherent in all people since conception (Ps. 51:5) we are full of evil lusts and inclinations and are unable by nature to have a true fear or true faith of God. Moreover this inborn sickness and hereditary sin condemns all those who are not born again to the eternal wrath of God (Rom. 5:12-21; Rom. 7:8; John 3:6).

Article 3 - The Son of God

We believe, teach and confess that God the Son became man (John 1:1,14), was born of the Virgin Mary (Is. 7:14) and that the two natures, divine and human are inseparable united in the one person of Christ, true God and true man (1 Tim. 2:5), who was truly born, suffered, was crucified, died and was buried to be a sacrifice not only for original sin but also for all other sins and to satisfy God's wrath (1 Pet. 3:18; Gal. 3:13). The same Christ also descended into hell (1 Pet. 3:19-20), truly rose bodily from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God (Luke 24:39; Mark 16:19).

The same Christ eternally rules and has dominion over all creation (Phil. 2:9-12) and through the Holy Spirit the sanctifies, purifies, strengthens and give comfort to all who believe in Him in order that He may give to them eternal life and every grace and blessing both in this life and the next (1 Thes. 5:23). The same Lord Christ will return for all the world to see to judge the living and the dead (Matt. 25:31-32).

Article 4 - On Justification (Christian renewal)

We believe, teach and confess that no person anywhere can be forgiven, made righteous or acceptable before God by his or her own inward qualities, outward works or satisfactions. We can only receive forgiveness of sin before God by grace (Eph. 2:8-9; Titus 2:11) for Christ's sake, through faith in Christ suffered for the sins of the whole world and for us, for His sake our sin is forgiven and true righteous and eternal life are given to us (Rom. 2:23-28; Rom. 4:5).

Article 5 - The Ministry of the Church [The Office of the Ministry]

We believe, teach and confess that God instituted the office of the ministry for the purpose of bringing the Word and the Sacraments to His people in order that they may come to saving faith (Matt. 28:19; 1 Cor. 11:23-25; 2 Cor. 5:18; Acts 20:28). It is only through these two means that the Holy Spirit works faith where and when He pleases in only those who hear and do not reject the Gospel (John 5:52; Rom. 10:17; 1 Thess. 1:5).

We also believe, teach and confess that the Holy Spirit does not come to us through our own preparations, imaginations, enthusiasms or works but only through the preached or taught Work of Holy Scripture and Sacraments (John 17:17; John 5:52; Eph 1:17; Titus 3:5).

Article 6 - The Necessity of Good Works

We believe, teach and confess that true Christian faith should produce good works and that we must do good works because God has commanded them, however we should do hem for Christ's sake and never place our trust in them in order to obtain favour before God. Christ says "When you have done all that is commanded of us, say, We are still unworthy servants" (Luke 17:10).

Articles 7 and 8 - The Church

We believe, teach and confess that the one Holy Christian Church will be and remain forever (Matt. 16:18). The Church is the gathering or assembly of all believers wherever the Gospel is preached in its purity and the Holy Sacraments (Baptism and the Lord's Supper) are administered according to the Gospel (Matt. 28:20; Luke 22:19, Acts 2:42; Eph. 4:5-6).

True unity of the Christian Church exists where the preaching of the Gospel conforms with a pure understanding of it and where the Sacraments are administered in accord with God's Holy Word (John 8:31; Acts 16:4). However it is not necessary for the true unity of the Christian Church that ceremonies or rites created by men must be uniformly observed in all local gatherings.

We also sadly admit that in this life there are many false Christians, hypocrites and even open sinners among the godly but that in no way inhibits or negates the effectiveness of God's Word and Sacraments even if a wicked pastor or minister administers them, for as Christ Himself says, "The Pharisees sit on Moses seat" (Matt. 23:2).

Article 9 - Baptism

We believe, teach and confess that Baptism with water in the name of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit is necessary because Christ commanded it so and that the grace of God (forgiveness and renewal) is offered through it (Matt. 28:29; John 3:5; Eph 5:26; 1 Pet. 3:21). Children should also be baptized, for in their being offered to God through Baptism the too are received into His grace (Mark 10:14; Acts 2:38-39).

Article 10 - The Holy Supper of Our Lord

We believe, teach and confess that bread and wine distributed and received in the Holy Supper (for the forgiveness of sins and for eternal life) are truly the body and blood of Christ (Matt. 26:26-28, ; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor. 10:16; John 6:48-58).

Article 11 - Confession of Sins

We believe, teach and confess that private absolution has a rightful place in the Church and should be retained and not be allowed to fall into disuse (Matt. 16:19 18:18, John 20:21- 23). However, in confession it is not necessary to remember all trespasses and sins for this is impossible, "Who can discern his errors?" (Ps. 19:12).

Article 12 - Repentance

We believe, teach and confess that all those who sin after their Baptism receive forgiveness of sin whenever they truly repent of their sins (Matt 11:28; Mark 1:15; 2 Sam. 12:13). Properly speaking, true repentance is nothing else than shame , sorrow and fear of God's wrath on account of sin, and yet at the same time to believe and trust in our being absolved of our sins on account of Christ.

The changing and correcting of our sinful ways should follow. This amendment of life must produce the fruits that correspond with our repentance (Matt 3:8; 1 John 2:3.4). Therefore we also believe, teach and confess that those who once were godly can fall from God's grace again (Gal. 5:4; 1 Cor. 10:12; Matt 26:41; 1 Pet.5:8).

Article 13 - The Use of the Sacraments

We believe, teach and confess that the Sacraments were instituted by Christ not only to be the signs by which people might be identified outwardly as Christians, but that they are signs and testimonies of God's will toward us for the purpose of awakening and strengthening our faith (Matt. 28:19,20; 1 Cor. 11:23-26).

Baptism and the Lord's Supper have the command of God to which the promise of grace has been added. When we are baptized and when we eat the Lord's Body, we are absolved and our hearts should firmly believe that we are truly forgiven for Christ's sake. Through the Word and the rite, God simultaneously moves the heart to believe and to take hold of faith, as Paul says, "So faith come from hearing and hearing by the word of God." (Rom. 10:17)

Article 14 - Order in the Church

We believe, teach and confess that no person should publicly teach or preach or administer the Sacraments without a regular call (Rom. 10:14-17; 1 Cor. 12:28; Titus 1:5; Acts 21:28).

Article 15 - Church Rites

We believe, teach and confess that rites or customs may be used which can be used without entering into sin and which contribute to the peace and good order to the Church. However any observances of human tradition that burdens the consciences which are instituted to appease God, earn grace and make satisfaction for sins are opposed to the Gospel and the teaching about faith (Gal. 1:9; 1 Tim. 6:3-5; Gal. 5:9).

Article 16 - Order in the World

We believe, teach and confess that lawful civil ordinances are good works of God instituted for the sake of good order (Rom. 13:1-6). The Gospel teaches an inward and eternal righteousness of the heart and does not destroy the state or the family. On the contrary, the Gospel requires the preservation of the state and family as ordinances of God and the exercise of love in those who live under authority (Rom. 12:1-2). Therefore Christians are bound to obey the laws of the land and those in authority except when commanded to sin, for then Christians are obliged to obey God (Acts 3:29).

Article 17 - The Return of Christ of Judgment

We believe, teach and confess that on the last day Christ will appear for judgment (Matt. 24:30-31; John 5:22-23; Acts 17:31) and raise up all the dead (John 5:27-29; John 6:39-40). To those who are saved He will give eternal life and endless joy (John 3:18; 1 Pet. 1:9).

To the unsaved and evil demons He will condemn to be tormented without end (Matt. 25:31-41,46).

Scripture teaches nothing regarding the opinions of those who say that before the resurrection of the dead the godly will take possession of the kingdom of the world and that the ungodly will by suppressed everywhere (Matt. 25:31-46; James 5:9; 1 Pet. 4:7; Mark 13:35ff).

Article 18 - Freedom of the Will

We believe, teach and confess that we possess some measure of freedom of the will which enables us to live an outwardly honourable life and to make choices based on reason. However, our wills do not have the power, without the Holy Spirit, to make unacceptable to God, that is, spiritual righteousness, because in our natural sinful state we habitually reject the gifts of God (1 Cor. 2:14).

Without the Holy Spirit we cannot produce the inward affections such as fear or love of God or trust in God, "Without faith it is impossible to please God" (Heb. 11:6). Although our human nature is in some measure able to perform outward acts of goodness (we can refrain from theft and murder), on the other hand our nature is capable of the will to worship idols and the will to commit murder.

Article 19 - The Cause of Sin

We believe, teach and confess that although God created and preserves nature (Heb. 1:3), the cause of sin in the world is the will of the wicked (Jer. 17:9), that is, the devil and ungodly people (John 8:44). The will thin, outside of God turns itself even further away from God to evil. It is as Christ says, "When the devil lies, he speaks according to his own nature."

Article 20 - Faith and Good Works

We believe, teach and confess that the term faith does not mean merely knowledge of Christ's suffering and resurrection. True faith is belief not only in the history of Jesus Christ but also in the trust and belief that we have grace, righteousness and forgiveness of sins only through Christ (Rom. 5:1).

We also believe, teach and confess that good works should and must be done, not that they earn us God's grace but that we may do God's will and glorify Him. When faith is given by the Holy Spirit, the heart is moved to do good works (1 John 4:7; Eph. 2:8-10; 1 Thess. 4:3; Luke 17:10).

Without faith and Christ our human nature cannot possibly do works pleasing to God, or to love one's neighbour or to avoid evil lusts. Genuine works of faith can only be done with the help of Christ as He Himself says, "Apart from Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).

Article 21 - On Saints

We believe, teach and confess that the remembrance of faithful Christians may serve as an example so that we may imitate their faith and good works insofar as our own particular calling is concerned. However, regardless of how saintly anyone is, Scriptures do not teach us to pray to the saints or to seek their help, for the only mediator whom the Scriptures set before us is Jesus Christ.

According to Scriptures, the highest form of divine service is sincerely to seek and call upon the name of Jesus in every time of need. "If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1).

This is the sum of our teaching and there is nothing here that departs from the Scriptures from which pure doctrines and profession of faith may be preserved by the power of the Holy Spirit until the glorious coming of Jesus Christ, our only Redeemer and Saviour.

Note on Article 5

"This title would be misleading if it were not observed (as the text of the article makes clear) that the Reformers thought of "the office of the ministry" in other than clerical

(L–CC/LCMS)

"This statement, of course, does not speak of the ministry of the Word 'in concreto' or of the pastoral office but only of the ministry of the Word 'in abstracto,' of which Ludwig Hartmann, among others, rightly reminds us in his pastoral theology: "The ministry of the Word may be treated in two ways: first, in an abstract way when the state or office itself is being considered, as Art. V of the Augsburg Confession treats it; second, in a concrete way, when the persons are considered who minister in this holy office, as Art. XIV of the Augsburg Confession treats it."

Schwabach Articles

"In order that we may obtain such faith or to grant it to us men, God has instituted the ministry or the oral Word, namely, the Gospel, through which He causes such faith with its power, benefit, and fruit to be proclaimed, and through it, as through His means, He also grants faith together with His Holy Spirit how and where He wills." (Walther, C.F.W., Church and Ministry, CPH:St. Louis ©1987 original German version 1875.) return to Article 5

(All Hallows Church, 139 Grovely Rd., Sunbury on Thames, Middlesex, England, TW167JT)

(a word which does not appear in Article V in this manner).

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Martin Luther's Seal
— Dr. Martin Luther's seal expresses his theology and his faith. It was his own design.
"The Christian's heart is resting on roses E'en while beneath the cross it reposes."

"The first thing expressed in my seal is a cross, black, within the red heart, to put me in mind that faith in Christ crucified saves us. "For with the heart man believes unto righteousness."

Now, although the cross is black, shameful, and intended to cause pain, yet it does not change the color of the heart, does not destroy nature. In other words, it does not kill but keeps alive. "For the just shall live by faith" – by faith in the Savior.

But this heart is fixed on the center of a white rose, to show that faith causes joy, comfort, and peace. The rose is white not red, because white is the ideal color of all angels and blessed spirits.

This rose, moreover, is fixed in a sky-colored background, to show that such joy of faith in the spirit is but a promise and beginning of heavenly joy to come. This joy, though not yet revealed, is looked forward to and held by the hope which we have.

Around this background is a ring, to show that such bliss in heaven is endless. And since the ring is made of gold, the best and most precious metal, it also shows that the bliss of heaven is more precious than all other joys and treasures.

Reformation Day is October 31st! This is the day (1517 A.D.) that Dr. Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany and started the Reformation.

Luther's seal is not used as an official symbol of The Lutheran Church–Canada.

However, it is used by Lutherans worldwide to acknowledge our commitment to the Scriptural teachings of Dr. Martin Luther.

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This page was last updated on Jan. 31, 1998