Our faith is rooted in the basic theological principles of the Reformation:
| Sola Gratia | We are saved by the generous grace of God alone -- not by
anything we do. |
| Sola Fide | Our salvation is through faith alone -- we only need to believe
that our sins are forgiven for Christ's sake, who died to redeem us
(although true faith leads to good works also). |
| Sola Scruptura | The Bible is the only norm of doctrine and life -- the only true
standard by which teachings and doctrines are to be judged |
The Apostles' Creed, The Lord's Prayer, and the Ten Commandments are key elements in the
foundation of Christian faith. Martin Luther addressed their significance and
meaning in his Small Catechism, one of the defining documents of Lutheran
faith collected in
The Book of Concord.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, God's 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 to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
He ascended into heaven,
He is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen
The Lord's Prayer
Luke 11:1-4; Matthew 6:9-15
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen
The Ten Commandments
Exodus 20:2-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21- You shall have no other gods.
- You shall not take the name of the Lord, your God, in vain.
- Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
- Honor your father and your mother.
- You shall not kill.
- You shall not commit adultery.
- You shall not steal.
- You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
- You shall not covet your neighbor's house.
- You shall not covet your neighbor's spouse, or their manservant,
or their maidservant, or their cattle or anything that is your neighbor's.
The Principal Commandments of Our Lord
Matthew 22:37-39; Mark 12:29-31; Luke 10:27- You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul, and with all your mind.
- You shall love your neighbor as yourself.