What We Believe
Who is Jesus?
At Immanuel Lutheran Church, we believe that Jesus Christ is who He says He is: the Son of God, true God and true Man, who came into the world in order to save us from our sins.
We confess that we are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus. Salvation is a free gift given by God to those who believe in Jesus, not because of anything we could do to earn it, but because of His love for us.
In an age when many people doubt the miraculous, we steadfastly believe that Jesus Christ was born of a virgin, died on a cross, and physically rose again from the dead in three days. He ascended into heaven. Together with all Christians, we await His coming again, when He will judge all people.
Over the centuries, the Church has found ways to sum up its beliefs succinctly. These summaries are called creeds or confessions. You can read more about the ones that Immanuel Lutheran Church (and all of our sister churches in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) has adopted at the LCMS's Lutheran Confessions page.
We believe that the Bible contains a true and inerrant record of Christ's life and teachings. Ultimately, the best way to answer the question "Who is Jesus?" is to begin the journey for yourself through reading the Bible and attending church.
What is Lutheranism?
Lutheranism is a Christian denomination that traces its origins back to Martin Luther (1483-1546), a former monk and theology professor at the University of Wittenberg, Germany.
Initially poised for a legal career, Luther instead entered monastic life. Despite his deep commitment, Luther felt unworthy of God's love and distant from God's grace.
Luther found solace in the Epistle to the Romans, particularly in the passage that "the just shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17), which helped him understand that salvation comes by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not through human efforts.
Luther's discontent with abuses he saw happening in the Church, especially the sale of indulgences (payments for reduced punishment in the afterlife), led him to publish his Ninety-Five Theses in 1517.
Luther intended to initiate reform and align the Church with biblical teachings. Luther's ministry and writings significantly contributed to the Protestant Reformation, marking the beginning of the Lutheran tradition.
Today, Lutheranism has tens of millions of followers globally, with several denominations in the United States. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, of which Immanuel Lutheran Church is a part, stands as a confessional and evangelical church that adheres to the perennial Christian tradition that inspired Luther over five centuries ago.
How Do I Become a Christian?
All that is necessary to become a Christian is faith in Jesus Christ.
It is the beginning of a lifelong journey through which God draws us towards Himself. Salvation from the penalty of sin is God's gift, given through His grace to all who would accept it.
So where do you begin?
Since the time of Jesus, Christians have started their journey through the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Baptism was commanded by Jesus himself, and we believe that He acts through it to help strengthen our faith. It also marks one's entry into the universal Christian Church.
While your journey to Christ is a personal one, it isn't meant to be traveled alone.
We at Immanuel Lutheran Church would love to help you begin your journey of faith.
