Core Beliefs
At Christus Victor, we understand faith is complex and personal. While we don’t claim to have all the answers, here’s an overview of what we believe at Christus Victor and as a part of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS). Note: As you read this list. Please know that God's Love is for everyone, and you are welcome here whether you fully agree with us or not.
The trinity
We believe in one True God maker of Heaven and Earth. We believe He is perfect in every way with no beginning or end, revealed to us in three distinct persons – The Father, who created us, The Son who saves us, and The Holy Spirit that dwells within our souls.
the bible
We believe that the Bible is God’s Word. It has no flaws, it has one meaning, but has many different applications for life, and the lives of others.
sin
We believe since the fall of Adam and Eve we were separated from God. Sin is our short comings, improper desires, and failures. We believe that all people are sinners, and with the gift of the death and resurrection of Christ we have been reunited with God.
Gift of grace
The gift of Grace is amazing. We believe that we receive this gift one of three ways, through Confession and Absolution, through Baptism, and through Holy Communion
confession and absoloution
We believe God has given His church the authority to forgive the sins of anyone on His behalf (John 20:23, James 5:15-16, 1 John 1:8-10). As such, confession and absolution are the practice of privately confessing those sins burdening one’s conscious, and once finished, hearing the promised forgiveness of Christ proclaimed over you and on your behalf.
baptism
We believe Baptism is no ordinary washing or public ceremony, but the means through which we are connected with Jesus and adopted as God’s children - children fully loved and forgiven by God, equipped to live new lives in faith (Romans 6:1-14, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Acts 2:37-39). Through Jesus, baptism works forgiveness of sins, rescues us from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe in the promises of God. This gift is for all people of all ages
holy communion
We believe communion is a meal given by Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, the strengthening of faith, and the building up of the family of Christ until the day of His return.
He gave this meal to His disciples on the night He was betrayed, saying, “This is my body” and “This is my blood”. Because of this, we believe communion to be simultaneously both bread and wine and His body and blood. We do not fully comprehend this mystery, but we trust in His words (Matthew 26:26-29).
In 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, the Apostle Paul warns that anyone who “eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.” He goes on to say that unworthy reception could cause judgement, sickness, and even death.
As such, we believe only those who can answer yes to these questions should receive communion:
1) Are you baptized into the family of God?
2) Are you aware of your sinfulness and sorry for your sins?
3) Are your sins only forgiven through the death and resurrection of Jesus?
4) Do you believe Jesus will forgive you for your sin?
5) Do you perceive the body of Christ in this meal?
6) Do you intend, with God’s help, to change your sinful ways and live according to God’s ways?
Whenever we receive communion, we welcome anyone not yet confident of these six questions to come forward with their hands folded and receive a blessing from the pastor instead of communion
.
He gave this meal to His disciples on the night He was betrayed, saying, “This is my body” and “This is my blood”. Because of this, we believe communion to be simultaneously both bread and wine and His body and blood. We do not fully comprehend this mystery, but we trust in His words (Matthew 26:26-29).
In 1 Corinthians 11:27-32, the Apostle Paul warns that anyone who “eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.” He goes on to say that unworthy reception could cause judgement, sickness, and even death.
As such, we believe only those who can answer yes to these questions should receive communion:
1) Are you baptized into the family of God?
2) Are you aware of your sinfulness and sorry for your sins?
3) Are your sins only forgiven through the death and resurrection of Jesus?
4) Do you believe Jesus will forgive you for your sin?
5) Do you perceive the body of Christ in this meal?
6) Do you intend, with God’s help, to change your sinful ways and live according to God’s ways?
Whenever we receive communion, we welcome anyone not yet confident of these six questions to come forward with their hands folded and receive a blessing from the pastor instead of communion
.