Beliefs > Lutheran Beliefs

A Statement of Scriptural and Confessional Principles

This statement was adopted by The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod in 1973 in order to address questions that had arisen regarding the nature and authority of Holy Scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. As a formal expression of the Synod's belief about these issues, this statement is honored and upheld by the rostered church workers and congregations of the Synod. Printed copies of this statement are available for a nominal charge from Concordia Publishing House by calling 800-325-3040. A camera ready copy of the "Statement" may be downloaded. A copy of "A Statement" is also available in RTF format.

I  - Christ as Savior and Lord

II - Law and Gospel

III - Mission of the Church

IV - Holy Scripture

V - Original Sin

VI - Confessional Subscription

Conclusion

The 1971 convention of The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod reaffirmed the Synod's desire to abide by its doctrinal position as stated in its constitution (Article II). The Synod clearly stated its conviction that its confessional base is as broad as Holy Scripture and that the Synod accepts anything and everything that the Scriptures teach. Moreover, the Synod declared its right as a Synod to apply its confessional base definitively to current issues, and thus conserve and promote unity and resist an individualism which breeds schism.

This Statement expresses the Synod's Scriptural and confessional stance on a number of important topics. It is hoped that the endorsement of this Statement will be of assistance to the Synod in the "conservation and promotion of the unity of the true faith" (Constitution, Article III).