We proclaim the Good News of Jesus, and strive to love and serve others! Christ Lutheran Church and School is part of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (www.LCMS.org), located in the Pacific Southwest District of the LCMS (www.psd-lcms.org). What We Believe:
Trinity
We believe there is one God, eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This triune God is the only true
God. Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14
Jesus Christ
We believe Jesus Christ is true God and true man, the second person of the Trinity. He was born into this world of a virgin, lived a sinless life, performed miracles, and died on the cross for the sins of the world; and thus, atoned for our sins through the shedding of His blood. He then rose from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven and will return again. We believe that there is no salvation apart from God's grace and faith in Jesus Christ.
1 Timothy 2:5-6; Galatians 4:4-5; 1 John 2:2; Acts 4:12
Holy Bible
We believe the Holy Bible is the inspired Word of God and the only infallible rule of faith and practice.
2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Acts 10:43
Salvation
We believe we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Salvation is truly a gift from God and is not the result of our good works or any human effort. Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; Galatians 2:16; Titus 2:4-7
Sin
We believe human beings first sinned long ago, among the first two people God created, Adam and Eve - and this sin resulted in the destruction of the relationships between God and His people; between human beings; and between us and the world in which we live. Every person is born with sin (original) and continues to sin (actual) by breaking God's Law during their life. Genesis 3:1-21; 1 John 3:4; Psalm 51:19; Matthew 15:19
Sacraments
We believe there are two sacraments: Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. Lutherans believe that a sacrament is instituted by Christ Himself, has visible means, uses the Word of God, and offers the forgiveness of sins. Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 10:16
Baptism
We believe baptism is an act of God in which He makes a person His own. Since the action is completely an undeserved gift on the part of God and since everyone, including infants, is part of this sinful world, there are no restrictions on the age of baptism. A person is baptized into the Christian Faith, not into any particular denomination. Therefore, the Lutheran Church accepts as valid baptism of any denomination so long as it is done with water and in the name of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38-39; John 3:5-6; Titus 3:5-7; Mark 16:16
Holy Communion
We believe Holy Communion (also known as the Lord's Supper, the Eucharist, the Sacrament of the Altar) is the true body and blood of the Lord in, with, and under the bread and wine given and shed on the cross for the remission of sins. In this sacrament together with the forgiveness, God gives all other blessings as well, that is "life and salvation." Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:27-29; 1 Corinthians 10:16; 1 John 1:7
Church
We believe we are part of the Holy Christian Church as confessed in the three Ecumenical Creeds: the Apostles', the Nicene, the Athanasian Creeds. We understand the Holy Christian Church to consist of all who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Ephesians 5:25-27; Romans 12:4-5; Ephesians 2:19-22; Ephesians 4:3-6
Repentance
We believe repentance is an act of faith by which the sinner has sorrow for their sin, confesses that sin, asks for forgiveness, and turns away from sin. Repentant sinners who are sorry for their sins and believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior are forgiven. Psalm 51:17; Acts 3:19; Psalm 32:5; John 20:22-23
Sanctification
We believe the Holy Spirit sanctifies us (makes us holy) by bringing us to faith in Jesus Christ so that we might partake of the blessings of redemption. The Holy Spirit also guides, directs, and empowers the believer to lead a godly life. Good works are properly understood as coming as a result of the grace God has already given us. Christians do good things in service to other people because God has enabled them to; they are already forgiven and secure in their adoption as God's children for eternal life. Good works do not earn God's favor.
1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Corinthians 2:14
