CCA Bulletin 1.18.26

What is a Lutheran?

Whether you’re new to Concordia Christian Academy or you’ve been around the school a few years, you’ve probably heard the word “Lutheran” more than a few times. There are good reasons for this. CCA is a Lutheran School. We’re part of a church body known as the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. Our students walk across the street to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. And there’s that word again: Lutheran. But what does it mean? What’s a Lutheran anyway? Is it some kind of potluck-loving cult? Some strange, secret club with a secret handshake? No and no.

Back in the day. No, not the 1900s. Even further back. In the 16^th century, there lived a man named Martin Luther. He was a priest. Professor. Pastor. He wanted to reform the Roman Catholic church, but was excommunicated for teaching exactly what the Scriptures teach. That people are saved not by good deed, feelings, or their brain power, but by grace through faith in Jesus crucified and risen for sinners.

Eventually, Christians following Luther’s biblical teaching gathered in churches and called themselves, much to Luther’s chagrin, Lutherans. He preferred the name, evangelicals, that is, people of the Gospel. As long as Christians focus on the Gospel, Luther said ok, and the name stuck. Over 500 years later, you’ll find Lutherans worldwide.

So, what’s a Lutheran? It’s another way of saying, “I’m a baptized, sinner-saint, saved by the blood of Jesus.” To be a Lutheran is to believe, teach, and confess that Christ died for sinners, and you (and me) qualify. The name Lutheran means that as a church, school, and people, we are Christ-centered and cross-focused.

Stay tuned to next month’s edition of “The Lutheran Lens” where you’ll find out more about two more favorite bible words from Lutherans, Law and Gospel.

Until then, rest in the imputed righteousness of Jesus.