What is a Lutheran?
A Lutheran is a Christian who holds everything in the Bible to be true. Because it is the very Word of God, it cannot lie. That means that when God says the world was made in six 24-hour days, He is telling the truth. It means that when He says He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to bear our sin and be our Savior, it is the truth. When He tells us that we are saved by His grace, through faith and not works, it is the truth. A Lutheran believes the Word of God and has it as the only source for faith and belief.
Lutherans are named after the 16th century monk, Martin Luther, who challenged the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church and led the Reformation of the Christian Church, restoring the authority of the Word of God over the traditions of man.
For more basic information about Lutherans, visit the Belief and Practice page from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Epiphany's church body.
Lutherans are named after the 16th century monk, Martin Luther, who challenged the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church and led the Reformation of the Christian Church, restoring the authority of the Word of God over the traditions of man.
For more basic information about Lutherans, visit the Belief and Practice page from The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, Epiphany's church body.
What do Lutherans believe?
|
The basic summary of the Christian faith is found in the three ecumenical creeds. Ecumenical means that these creeds are universally held by all who call themselves Christians. A creed is a statement of what someone believes. As Lutherans, we confess that we are a part of the Church that has existed since the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost. Therefore we confess what the Church of the ages has confessed and summarized in the Apostles' Creed, the Nicene Creed, and the Athanasian Creeds. These creeds date back to the first centuries after Jesus' resurrection and ascension. At Epiphany, these creeds are used in every service, connecting us with the whole Church, past and present.
The Apostles' Creed is the most basic of the three. It is not named the Apostles' Creed because they wrote it, but because it clearly summarizes what they taught, which is what Jesus taught them. |
|
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 Spirit, 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 sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, 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 sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
Where can I read a short summary of the Christian faith?
|
All our beliefs come directly from God's Word, the Holy Bible. The plain teachings of the Bible have been condensed into Luther's Small Catechism, a basic primer on the faith. The Small Catechism explains the Ten Commandments, the Apostles' Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, the Office of the Keys (Confession and Absolution), and the Sacrament of the Altar. Thanks to our friends at Concordia Publishing House, the full text of the Small Catechism is available online free.
|
|
The Book of Concord is the full collection of the beliefs of the Lutheran Church. It contains all of the original documents written by the Lutherans to confess their beliefs and to condemn the errors which had been taught in the Church. The full text of the Book of Concord is available online.
|
What does Epiphany teach about marriage?
We hold the Words of Holy Scripture to be God's own words, without error. What they say about our life is binding on us for both what we believe and how we act. From the plain words of Holy Scripture, we believe that marriage is a life-long union between one man and one woman, united by the Lord.
Though the state allows for "marriages" of same-sex couples, Epiphany Lutheran Church, as a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, will not perform same-sex marriages, nor will we offer a blessing of these unions. Our building may not be used for any marriage ceremony, reception, or other activity inconsistent with our beliefs.
If you would like to know more about Epiphany and weddings in this congregation, please refer to our Wedding Manual.
Though the state allows for "marriages" of same-sex couples, Epiphany Lutheran Church, as a congregation of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, will not perform same-sex marriages, nor will we offer a blessing of these unions. Our building may not be used for any marriage ceremony, reception, or other activity inconsistent with our beliefs.
If you would like to know more about Epiphany and weddings in this congregation, please refer to our Wedding Manual.
