html lang="en"> What We Believe
Zion Lutheran Church

Scripture Alone

The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) believe the Bible is God's inspired, inerrant Word - our sole authority for faith and life. Every word is true and reliable, given by God through human authors guided by the Holy Spirit.

Grace Alone through Faith Alone

Salvation comes entirely through God's grace, not our works. We are justified by faith alone in Jesus Christ. Romans 3:28 declares, "For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law." We cannot earn salvation - it's God's free gift.

Christ Alone

Jesus Christ is true God and true man, born of the Virgin Mary. He lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead. He is our only Savior and Mediator between God and humanity.

The Trinity

We worship one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - co-equal and co-eternal.

Original Sin and Total Depravity

All humans are born sinful, inheriting Adam's fallen nature. We are "by nature sinful and unclean," unable to save ourselves or choose God on our own.

The Sacraments

God works through simple means to give extraordinary grace. In Baptism, the Holy Spirit creates faith and gives new life - even to infants. In Holy Communion, we receive Christ's true body and blood with the bread and wine for forgiveness and strengthening of faith.

Law and Gospel

The Law shows us our sin and need for a Savior. The Gospel proclaims Christ's forgiveness and salvation. Both are necessary - the Law convicts, the Gospel comforts.

Sanctification

After justification, the Holy Spirit works in us to produce good works - not to earn salvation, but as fruits of faith. We remain "saint and sinner" simultaneously until glorification.

The Church

The Church is the communion of all believers. We practice closed communion, sharing the Lord's Supper with those who share our confession of faith.

Christ's Return

Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. Believers will enjoy eternal life in heaven; unbelievers face eternal punishment.

These truths center on Christ crucified - our hope, our peace, and our eternal salvation.