In a Nutshell

• We believe that every single person is a unique child of God, and is created in God’s image.
• We believe that God has come to us in Jesus Christ, who is both fully human and fully God, and who died so that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Our sins are forgiven, and Jesus is ALIVE!!!
• We believe that the Holy Spirit has been given to us in baptism, and that the Spirit gives us motivation and energy to love our neighbors-which means standing up for them, helping them out when they need it, speaking well of them and generally treating other people the way we want to be treated.
• We believe that God has work for you to do, that God created you with skills and talents, and we want to help you grow and discover how God can use you in the world.

Statements of Belief

Lutherans believe in the Triune God. God created and loves all of creation — the earth and the seas and all of the world’s inhabitants. We believe that God’s Son, Jesus Christ, transforms lives through his death on the cross and his new life, and we trust that God’s Spirit is active in the world.

We are part of God’s unfolding plan. When we gather for worship, we connect with believers everywhere. When we study the Bible or hear God’s word in worship, we are drawn more deeply into God’s own saving story.

The convictions shared by Christians from many different traditions are expressed in statements of belief called creeds.  Lutherans affirm and use the Apostle’s, Nicene and Athanasian creeds in worship as we confess the faith of the church through the ages and around the world.

-ELCA website http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Statements-of-Belief.aspx

The Apostle’s Creed

The Apostles’ Creed as we now have it dates from the eighth century. But in truth its roots are in the “Old Roman Creed,” which was used in some parts of the ancient church as early as the third century. Before the Old Roman Creed, in turn, were variations rooted in the New Testament itself. While this creed does not come from the apostles (Jesus’ followers sent to share the good news), its roots are apostolic (in keeping with the teaching of the New Testament apostles). The creed describes the faith into which we are baptized and therefore is used in the rites of Baptism and Affirmation of Baptism.

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.

*or “he descended into hell,” another translation of this text in widespread use.

About the Bible (the “Book of Faith”)

Lutherans believe that people meet God in Scripture, where God’s heart, mind, relationship to — and intention for — humankind are revealed. Through an ongoing dialogue with the God revealed in the Bible, people in every age are called to a living faith. Dig Deeper

The ELCA is involved in Book of Faith, a five-year initiative that encourages members, congregations and synods to become fluent in the language of faith – the language of Scripture. Visit the Book of Faith site, or join the Book of Faith social networking site to find ideas, watch videos, download study guides and discuss Scripture online.

Visit www.bookoffaith.org and bookoffaith.ning.com to find out more.