As Lutherans We Believe, Confess, and Teach that:
- People are saved by God's grace alone.
- This grace is revealed to and bestowed on us through Jesus Christ.
- It is through the merits of Christ alone and not by our works that God forgives our sins and grants us eternal life.
- It is through faith alone that we receive forgiveness of sin and salvation.
- This faith is created, renewed and sustained by the Holy Spirit through God's Word and Sacraments.
- Scripture alone is the basis for all Christian doctrine, for it is God's Word; inspired by Him and thus infallible.
- Scripture is our sole authority.
- The doctrines formed in Scripture we believe are correctly set forth in the Lutheran Confessions (statements of belief).
For Those Coming To The Lord's Supper (Holy Communion):
- The Sacrament of the Altar (Holy Communion, The Lord's Supper) is a sacred act established by Christ Himself and given to the whole Church.
- God's Word teaches “Let a man examine himself, so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgement upon himself.” (I Corinthians 11:28-20).
- Therefore, in accordance with Holy Scripture, and out of loving concern for all, we believe that those who commune should:
- Be baptized Christians who have been instructed in God's Word, especially regarding the Sacrament.
- Confess and sincerely repent of all their sins; (1 John 1:8-9).
- Believe that through the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God forgives their sins and gives them newness of life (Isaiah 53:4-6; Romans 6:23; II Corinthians 5:17).
- Believe that in and with the bread and wine, they receive in a miraculous way, not merely a symbol, but the true Body and Blood of Christ, for the forgiveness of their sins and the strengthening of their faith (I Corinthians 10:16; Matthew 26:28).
- Recognize that participation at His table is a “proclaiming of the Lord's death” (I Corinthians 11:26) and indicates a public agreement with the Biblical teaching of the Sacrament, and a oneness in the faith we confess.
Anone who wishes to commune here for the first time, and who is not a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church or a sister congregation, is encouraged to speak to Pastor Schafer (410-747-1897).