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WHAT WE BELIEVE

We are Christians who belong to the Atlantic District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  A summary of our beliefs can be found in the words of the Apostles Creed.

I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.  He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.  He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.  He descended into hell.  On the third day he rose again.  He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He will come again to judge the living and the dead.

 I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.  Amen.

In addition, the teachings of our Church can be summarized in three short phrases: Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and Scripture Alone

Grace Alone::  Even though we are have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God, God loves us and offers us His grace, His undeserved love.  He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into this world to die in our place.  We are saved by God’s grace alone, not works.  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9closeEphesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV) closeEphesians 2:8-9closeEphesians 2:8-9 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (ESV)

Faith Alone::  We are justified with God through faith in Christ, not by observing the law (God’s Ten Commandments).  The Law shows our sins.  The Gospel shows our Savior.  We are declared just (or righteous) before God on the basis of Christ’s perfect atonement for all sin.  We are personally justified through faith alone in Christ.  “For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.”  Romans 3:28closeRomans 3:28 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (ESV) closeRomans 3:28closeRomans 3:28 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (ESV) 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. (ESV)

Scripture Alone:: We believe that the Bible is God’s inerrant and infallible Word.  Through His inspired Word, God’s Law and His Gospel of salvation in Jesus Christ is revealed.  Scripture is the sole rule and norm for Christian doctrine.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16close2 Timothy 3:16 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (ESV) close2 Timothy 3:16close2 Timothy 3:16 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (ESV) 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, (ESV)