Why I Am a Lutheran Christian

A recent poll was taken which showed that there has been a decline in Christian church membership. In discussing this at Bible Class I mentioned my assessment to the fact that too many of our “mainline” denominations have acquiesced to popular culture so that there seems to be no difference between the church and culture, and if there is no difference, then why bother.

All this begs the questions, “Why are you a Lutheran?” I am Lutheran because I believe there is a sharp and distinct difference between being Lutheran, being a Lutheran Christian and the culture, and a sharp and distinct difference between being Lutheran and being any other Christian denomination.

Why I am a Lutheran Christian

• I am Lutheran because I believe we have a better understanding of the proper distinction between God’s teaching of Law and Gospel.
• I am Lutheran because I believe we have a better understanding of Justification and Sanctification and the difference between the two.
• I am Lutheran because I believe we have a better understanding of what is Grace, true Grace, being a gift from God.
• I am Lutheran because I believe our worship clearly expresses our faith and doctrine.
• I am Lutheran because I believe we have a better understanding of the Sacraments, that is the sacred acts of God, Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, not as some symbolic act of obedience, but as God’s gifts to us.
• I am Lutheran because I believe we have a better understanding of how God gives us His gifts, namely through means, the Means of Grace, and in particular His Word, Holy Baptism, Confession and Absolution and the Lord’s Supper.
• I am Lutheran because I believe we have a better understanding of the Office of Holy Ministry and the Priesthood of all believers.
• I am Lutheran because I believe we have a better understanding of how to express our faith.