How Lutherans Got Started
Lutherans take their name from Martin Luther, a German priest who sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church in the early 1500's and return the church to its biblical foundation. Luther's writing, debating, preaching and teaching sparked the Protestant Reformation.
Through his study of the Bible, Luther helped the Christian Church rediscover the basic gospel truths: God is loving and that He offers forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift because of Jesus Christ without any merit or good works by us.
Luther taught that people — no matter how hard they try — cannot earn God's forgiveness or a place in heaven. It is a gift from God that people receive through faith in Jesus Christ.
Lutherans trust the Bible as the ONLY norm for faith and life.
Lutherans often refer to three “solas” (Latin for “alone”) as a summary of the faith that gives them hope:
. Grace Alone — God loved the world, though we do not deserve His love. He sent His Son to love the unlovely and save the ungodly. Grace alone can empower with faith and cause us to live holy lives. God's grace is extended to us that we might live in His presence and know His plan for our lives, both in this world and the next.
. Faith Alone — Jesus has provided for our forgiveness and life; those who hear this promise and believe it, have what it offers. People don't “get” faith by their own effort or reason; God gives it as He gives us His promises.
. Scripture Alone - The Bible is the only reliable source that shows God's will and the only basis for faith.
Integral to who we are is our understanding and application of Law and Gospel. The Bible gives the Law, showing God's expectation of people and the terrible consequences for not following His commands. But the Bible also reveals the Gospel — the “good news” of God's love and forgiveness.