Who Are Lutherans?

Lutherans take their name from Martin Luther, a German priest who broke away from the Roman Catholic Church in the early 1500s. Luther's writing and teaching sparked the Protestant Reformation. Luther taught that people--no matter how hard they try--cannot earn God's forgiveness or a place in heaven. It is a gift that people receive through faith in Jesus Christ. Here are the common characteristics of Lutherans:

1. They are Christians. Lutherans hold beliefs that are shared by most Christians.

• God is 3 persons in one: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
• The Bible is God's Word.
• Everyone will exist after death--either in heaven or hell--forever.
• The world will come to an end where God will judge everyone.

• Lutherans build their lives on Jesus Christ. They believe Jesus is the only, perfect, son of God.  They believe that Jesus died for them and for every person in the world. And Lutherans believe that Jesus rose from the dead and lives for them--and for all people who believe in him as their Savior.  Jesus brings people closer to God. Lutherans believe their lives--today, tomorrow and in eternity--depend on Jesus.
• Lutherans live with a sure hope of eternal life because of Jesus Christ. They know they're not perfect, that they stumble and fall in their daily walk with God. But they also know that their forgiveness has been won and paid for by Jesus Christ, and when they repent and seek forgiveness, God will forgive them because of Jesus. And they want to tell others about that hope, too!

3. They trust in the Bible.

• Lutherans talk about Law and Gospel. The Bible gives the Law, showing God's expectation of people and the terrible consequences for not following his commands. But the Bible also reveals the Gospel--the "good news" of God's love and forgiveness.

4. They also have other beliefs. 

• Lutherans view Baptism and the Lord's Supper as the means by which God gives people grace.
• Local church congregations are the central community for faith and practice.
• Christian education is important and is available via Sunday School, Bible class, home-study groups and other opportunities.
• They share their faith and partner to sponsor missions programs worldwide.
• They care about people in need--providing hospitals, help for children and families, and relief for the hungry, homeless and helpless.
• Their worship style, which includes a lot of music and singing, can follow worship forms handed down from the early Christian church and/or can be expressed in contemporary forms, as well.