It is taught among us that we cannot obtain forgiveness of sin and righteousness before God by our own merits, works, or satisfactions, but that we receive forgiveness of sin and become righteous before God by grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith when we believe that Christ suffered for us and that for His sake our sin is forgiven and righteousness and eternal life are given to us. For God will regard and reckon this faith as righteousness, as Paul says in Romans 3:21-26 and Romans 4:5.
–The Book of Concord, A.D. 1580
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GRACE ALONE—God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
What does this mean? Because there was nothing that anyone could do to help sinners, God came to your rescue even though you didn’t deserve it. He sent into this world His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life in your stead, and offer Himself as the sacrifice for your sin upon the cross.
FAITH ALONE—So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. Romans 10:17 NKJV
But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16 NKJV
What does this mean? Because you cannot create faith that will save you by your own self, God’s Holy Spirit works through the Word of God, calling you to faith through the hearing of His Gospel found in the Holy Bible.
SCRIPTURE ALONE—All Scripture is God breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV
What does this mean? Scripture alone is what norms the teaching of the Lutheran Church (Missouri Synod), and not the opinions of people.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:11 NKJV
But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” Matthew 4:4 NKJV
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 NKJV
And he [Abraham] believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:6 NKJV
What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works. Romans 4:1-6 NKJV
…… just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Galatians 3:6 NKJV
And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. James 2:23 NKJV