Lutheran
Lutheran churches trace their heritage to Martin Luther's Reformation. Many Lutheran traditions emphasize justification by faith alone and the sacraments of baptism and communion.
FaithLight presents this information for education and understanding, not to promote or criticize any tradition.
Lutheran Christianity traces its origin to Martin Luther's recovery of justification by grace through faith alone. Lutherans maintain a strong emphasis on Word and Sacrament.
Luther's 95 Theses (1517) and the Augsburg Confession (1530) defined Lutheran theology. Lutheranism became the state religion of Germany and Scandinavia.
- •Justification by grace through faith alone
- •Real presence of Christ in the Lord's Supper
- •Both Word and Sacrament as means of grace
- •The universal priesthood of believers
- •Law and Gospel distinction
View of Salvation
Monergistic — God alone accomplishes salvation through grace.
View of the Holy Spirit
Works through Word and Sacrament. Lutherans traditionally do not emphasize charismatic gifts.
Baptism
Infant baptism as a means of grace
Worship Style
Liturgical with hymns; Word and Sacrament focused
Church Governance
Pastors and bishops depending on synod
Communion / Eucharist
Real presence of Christ in the Eucharist (not transubstantiation)
Spiritual Gifts
Recognized but not commonly emphasized
Biblical Interpretation
Scripture as the norm for all doctrine
- →ELCA
- →Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS)
- →Church of Sweden
Q: Do Lutherans believe in infant baptism?
A: Yes. Infant baptism is a means of grace through which God works faith.
Key Scripture References
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