If you are reading this blog you probably already know that Lutheran’s believe that Salvation is acheived by grace through faith alone. See Ephesians 2:8. What you may not know is how this faith is attained or received from a Lutheran perspective.

Lutherans believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, and that he achieved this through his death and resurrection. Through faith in Christ, believers are forgiven of their sins and receive the gift of eternal life.

Lutherans also emphasize the importance of the sacraments, particularly baptism and communion, as means of grace through which believers are strengthened in their faith and receive God’s forgiveness.

Baptism is seen as a means of regeneration, in which believers are united with Christ and receive the Holy Spirit. Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, is a means of receiving the true body and blood of Christ, which strengthens believers in their faith and nourishes their souls.

Overall, the Lutheran view of salvation is characterized by its emphasis on grace, faith, and the work of Christ on behalf of sinners. Salvation is not something that can be earned or achieved through human effort, but is a free gift from God given to those who trust in Jesus Christ as their Savior.

Unlike our other protestant borthers and sisters, Lutherans do not believe in a one-time salvation experience, nor do we believe that one can come to faith on their own. Lutherans believe that human beings are born with a sinful nature, which makes it impossible for them to save themselves through good works or personal merit. No amount of good deeds or religious practices can earn salvation. Instead, salvation is solely the work of God, who offers it as a free gift to those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior. Believers receive God’s gift of salvation. Through faith, believers are united with Christ, and receive forgiveness of their sins, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the promise of eternal life.

1 Corinthians 2:14

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

The Lutheran Church teaches that it is possible for a person to reject the Holy Spirit and, in doing so, to reject the offer of salvation that God extends to all people. This is based on several passages of scripture, including the words of Jesus himself in Matthew 12:31-32:

“And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”

Matthew J. McDonald, EdD

5/5/23