Lutheran: more than a survey answer

If Statistics Canada asks you to fill in the 2011 National Household Survey, at some point you will answer a question about your religion.

For some it’s easy because they practice their religion regularly by attending church, synagogue, mosque or other places of worship.

For a number of Canadians it won’t be so simple. It may be a matter of where they observe annual religious celebrations. Others may relate to a baptism or confirmation certificate, maybe even discover where grandparents or great-grandparents worshipped.

But if you are going to answer “Lutheran,” what does that mean?

First, as a Lutheran you believe Jesus Christ was God’s only Son who died on the cross, taking the punishment you deserved for your sin. You believe He rose from the dead, conquering death and giving you eternal life.

Second, you believe the Bible is the Word of God and is the foundation of all Christian belief and speaks God’s message to our world today.

Third, you believe that no matter how hard you try and how many good things you do, you cannot earn God’s favour. By nature, you are at odds with God, therefore His forgiveness of your sins is based solely on His gracious love for you, a gift from His hand received by faith.

Fourth, the faith by which you receive God’s forgiveness is also His gift to you.

These four beliefs are the foundation of the Lutheran faith: Christ, Scripture, grace and faith.

Believing these truths from God’s Word, a Lutheran responds by being part of a community of faith—a congregation in which you receive God’s gift of forgiveness; hear His Word and receive the blessings of His Sacraments; and serving our neighbours in the name of Christ.

So being Lutheran is more than giving an answer on a survey. It’s a way of understanding God’s gracious presence in your life, growing in faith with other believers, serving others, and sharing with them the news of His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

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