Zion Lutheran Church is a member congregation of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod and as such, we conform to the beliefs set forth in our confessions. The critical components of these confessions are stated below.
We believe that the Bible is the Word of God and that it is the only absolute source of truth. All questions of life and faith must be tested against this truth. In the Bible we learn that we are all sinners (the Law) and that God works salvation (the Gospel) for every believer.
The most fundamental truth of God’s Word is that God loves all people and because of that love, sent his Son Jesus into the world to die on the cross for the sins of all people. This love that brings us forgiveness and salvation is called grace and it is a free gift offered to all and is not earned by anything that we can do.
The suffering and death of Jesus on the cross offers forgiveness by paying the price for our sins. In effect, he took the punishment that we deserve for our sins. Furthermore, while his death provides forgiveness, his resurrection from the dead means that we can share in that victory over death and have life forever.
These gifts of forgiveness and life are accessed through faith in Jesus. Amazingly enough, the faith to access these gifts is in itself a gift provided to us by God’s Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit instills faith in us and strengthens us in faith so that we might live lives that are pleasing to God. The Holy Spirit works forgiveness, life, and faith by pouring them out through God’s Word and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper.
