What is Lutheran

What is Lutheran?

Lutherans are heirs of the 16th Century Reformation, a movement spearheaded by Martin Luther to refocus the Church on God’s free grace given in Jesus.

Three phrases encapsulate what Lutherans are all about:

  • Biblical—We hold the Holy Scriptures to be the inspired Word of God
  • Sacramental—We celebrate Holy Baptism and Holy Communion as God-given “means of grace”
  • Christ-centered—We focus on the gospel of Jesus’ death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins

Lutherans are both firmly rooted in ancient Christian faith and practice, and vitally growing in God’s grace today. (One author has gone so far as to describe us as “Evangelical Catholics.”)

Do Lutherans Worship Martin Luther?

Absolutely not. Correcting this misunderstanding, Lutheran Theologian Herman Sasse makes it clear that being “Lutheran” is about Jesus, not Martin Luther:

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