Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church accepts and confesses all the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments as the inspired Word of God. We do not add, we do not subtract, and we do not change any of God’s clear words as found in the Bible. Since the Scriptures are God’s word we let Scripture interpret Scripture. We also agree in full with the confessions contained in the Book of Concord (1580) as a correct exposition of Christian doctrine, drawn from, and in full agreement with, the Holy Scriptures. We believe what the Bible says even if it goes against our human reason, science, or popular opinion.
There is only one God, who has revealed himself to be triune – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. God created the world in six days, and made it perfect, without sin.
Adam and Eve were tempted by the fallen angel, Satan, and sinned. Because of the fall of Adam and Eve all people have a sinful nature and do sinful things. Sinners deserve physical and eternal punishment.
Jesus is both true God and true man. Jesus took our place and was punished for the sins of all people as he died on the cross. Three days after his death Jesus bodily rose from the dead.
God does not want anyone to go to hell, but being a just God, he will condemn unbelievers. By Jesus’ perfect life, death and resurrection, he paid the price for our sins and earned eternal life for all people. We sinners are declared innocent by God’s grace. Whoever trusts what Jesus did to pay for their sins and has faith personally has the forgiveness of sins. It is the Holy Spirit who gives us this faith. He uses the Word of God to create faith in us. The Holy Spirit continues to use the Bible, Baptism and the Lords’ Supper to strengthen and preserve faith.
God has told Christians to baptize, applying water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Baptism washes away sins because the water is connected with God’s Word. Infants also are to be baptized, for God has commanded that all nations be baptized.
In the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper we actually receive the body and blood of Jesus. Through the body and blood of Jesus Christians are given the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation in heaven.
