Hallmarks of Lutheranism

by Alvin Schmidt

Overview

Since the time Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Lutheran theology has survived centuries of political, religious, and societal pressures that challenged its foundational teachings.

But the question remains: Do Lutherans today understand their theological heritage well enough to maintain and defend their unique beliefs when outside pressures dismiss them as irrelevant to modern-day Christianity?

Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity sets forth more than twenty important practices, doctrines, and beliefs that distinguish Lutheranism from all other denominations. Topics include:

• Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, Sola Scriptura, and Solus Christus
• The Dichotomy of Law and Gospel
• Christ's Presence in the Lord's Supper
• Luther's Unique Insight on the Theology of the Cross

Engaging and insightful for both layperson and pastor, Hallmarks of Lutheran Identity will deepen your understanding of Lutheran theology and its rich historical traditions so you can confidently answer the question, "What do Lutherans believe?"

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780758655578
Publisher:	Concordia Publishing House
Publication date:	01/31/2017
Pages:	336
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 1.00(d)

Table of Contents

Abbreviations 4

Acknowledgments 5

Foreword 6

Introduction 9

1 Solus Christus (Christ Alone) 15

2 Sola Gratia (By Grace Alone) 25

3 Sola Fide (By Faith Alone) 35

4 Sola Scriptura (By Scripture Alone) 51

5 New Testament Canonicity: Early Church, Luther, and the Council of Trent 65

6 New Testament Canonicity: Lutheran Theology after the Council of Trent 81

7 Law and Gospel: God's Dichotomy 97

8 Word and Sacraments: Three Means of Grace 107

9 The Lord's Supper: Christ's Supernatural Bodily Presence 119

10 Luther's Small Catechism: The Laity's Bible 129

11 Luther's Large Catechism: A Teachers Manual 147

12 Sinner and Saint at the Same Time 155

13 Lutheran Church: The Singing Church 163

14 The Divine Liturgy Teaches the Faith 183

15 Theology of the Cross: Luther's Unique Insight 207

16 The Augsburg Confession: Birth of the Lutheran Church 223

17 Two Different Governments: Sacred and Secular 237

18 Adiaphora: A Look at Christian Liberty 251

19 The Book of Concord: Lutheran Handbook 263

20 Work and Vocation: Cod's Mask 281

21 Hallmarks of the Lutheran Reformation 291

Endnotes 306

Subject and Name index 327

Scripture Index 336

Abbreviations

AE Luther's Works: American Edition

KJV King James Version of the Bible

LSB Lutheran Service Book

NIV New International Version of the Bible

NKJV New King James Version of the Bible

RSV Revised Standard Version of the Bible

TLH The Lutheran Hymnal

Abbreviations for Documents in the Book of Concord

AC Augsburg Confession

Ap Apology of the Augsburg Confession

Ep Epitome of tire Formula of Concord

FC Formula of Concord

LC Large Catechism of Martin Luther

SA Smalcald Articles

SC Small Catechism of Martin Luther

SD Solid Declaration of the Formula of Concord

Tr Treatise on the Power and Primacy of the Pope