LMS-USA Brief Position Statements
Below are proposed brief statements on several theological issues that have
achieved consensus by the found pastors [as LMS-USA began in April of 1995].
The purpose of these statements is to assist individuals and congregations
in their assessment of this new opportunity for united efforts of fellowship
and mission. As the LMS-USA meets in Forum, more detailed statements will
be forthcoming to which member congregations will be asked to subscribe if
they wish to be with LMS-USA in full fellowship.
-
We believe the Bible is God's Word and self-revelation to us, and as such,
it is without error in all it touches, whenever and however it speaks whether
in matters of faith, doctrine, history, geography, or science.
-
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally
existing in three persons; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
-
We believe that Jesus is God incarnate, who through his sinless life, atoning
death, and bodily resurrection, won salvation over sin, death and the power
of the devil.
-
We concur with Luther's understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit, who
solely through the Word and Sacraments, calls, gathers, enlightens, and
sanctifies the whole Christian Church on earth. On the other hand, we stand
opposed to those who would narrow or limit the work of the Holy Spirit with
an undo insistence on the legitimacy for the "sign gifts" [i.e., tongues,
healing, prophecy, revelation, etc.] being operative and even normative in
our day.
-
We believe that the Lutheran Confessions and the Apostles, Nicene, and Athanasian
Creeds contained in the Book of Concord of 1580 are the correct exposition
of the teaching of Holy Scripture.
-
We are a liturgical church. We practice, without reservation, the use of
the lectionary, vestments, and an order of service such as that found in
the Common Service.
-
We understand the basic unit of the church to be the local congregation.
As such, it should be self-governing and it alone should hold title to its
property. The LMS-USA will have authority only to advise and recommend.
Master copies of the above Introductory brochure document which include the
graphic of the LMS-USA Seal are available for reduplication from The LMS-USA
National Office, at St. Matthew Lutheran church, 2837 East New York Street,
Indianapolis, IN 46201