Question 1

Bible

Accepted Answer

Everything Lutherans believe comes from the Bible. The Bible is the written Word of God, that conveys to us that we are saved from our sin and eternal death by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We believe that the Bible is completely reliable and without error. In it we learn everything we need to know about God’s love and His gifts to us.

Question 2

God

Accepted Answer

There is only one true God—the Triune God—who exists in three separate but equal Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

God the Father is our Maker and the Creator of all things.

Jesus Christ is the Son, who came to earth and bridged the gap between God and humanity. He has redeemed us and pleads for us before the Father.

The Holy Spirit calls us to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior, keeps us in the one true faith, and equips us for living out our faith.

Question 3

Salvation

Accepted Answer

Jesus Christ, the Son who took on human flesh, has already done everything necessary for our salvation. In His death and resurrection, everyone who believes in Jesus as Savior has been brought back into a right relationship with God and is declared innocent by God.

We do not cooperate in our salvation, and there is nothing we could ever give to God to earn eternal life. Neither can we reason our way. All we can do is to believe in Him, trusting that Jesus has already done all that is necessary for us.

Question 4

Faith

Accepted Answer

Through faith in Jesus, we receive the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. By faith we believe that He has freed us from the guilt, punishment, and power of sin.

Faith is a gift worked in us by the power of the Holy Spirit. We simply receive what God is already offering out of His great love.

Question 5

Grace

Accepted Answer

Christ paid the debt for our sin, and we receive forgiveness and eternal life from Him. This is freely offered out of unconditional love. It's grace because it's truly undeserved.

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).”

God has provided tangible ways to give us this grace, assuring us that the sins we commit are forgiven. These are called the “means of grace.” They are God’s Word, Holy Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion).

Question 6

Baptism

Accepted Answer

Baptism is a Sacrament, a visible means of grace that God uses to give us forgiveness, salvation, righteousness, faith.  Baptism was instituted by Jesus. Baptism includes both water and God's Word.

Question 7

The Lord's Supper

Accepted Answer

The Lord's Supper is a Sacrament, a means of grace, instituted by Jesus, for the forgiveness of sins. As Christians and Lutherans, we believe Jesus's Words to be what He said, without overthinking it: "This is my body, given for You. This is my blood, shed for you for the forgiveness of sins."

Question 8

Good Works

Accepted Answer

God doesn't need our good works, but our neighbor does. Salvation is by faith, not by our works. We do good works because it's in our nature as children of God to do these works. He commands that we serve one another, and He delights in these works.

Question 9

Marriage

Accepted Answer

God made both male and female. Marriage is between one man and one woman.

Question 10

End Times

Accepted Answer

Lutherans are Amillennial, meaning we now live in the Church Age which started in the book of Acts. The Church Age is what the Bible refers to as a "Thousand Years" which we believe means a long time. At the end of the Church Age, Jesus will return.

Question 11

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

Accepted Answer

Good Shepherd is a member of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LCMS. Detailed LCMS doctrinal positions and answers can be found at these links:
Doctrinal Position of the LCMS
FAQs

Good Shepherd Yard Sale - Saturday, September 12 - 8am - 1pm. Spaces Available - (717) 764-4746

Relay for Life Car Show - Labor Day, Monday, September 7 - 10am - 2pm at Good Shepherd.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Bible

God

Salvation

Faith

Grace

Baptism

The Lord's Supper

Good Works

Marriage

End Times

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

​Good Shepherd Yard Sale - Saturday, September 12 - 8am - 1pm. Spaces Available - (717) 764-4746

Relay for Life Car Show - Labor Day, Monday, September 7 - 10am - 2pm at Good Shepherd.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

Bible

God

Salvation

Faith

Grace

Baptism

The Lord's Supper

Good Works

Marriage

End Times

The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

Good Shepherd Yard Sale - Saturday, September 12 - 8am - 1pm. Spaces Available - (717) 764-4746