About Saint John Lutheran Church
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Many of you who are visiting this page already know Jesus, and are familiar with the precepts of Christianity. If, however, the language of formal "doctrinal creeds" seems a bit strange or foreign to you, please be reassured - your uncertainty, doubt and skepticism are openly received here at Saint John Lutheran Church in Columbia, South Dakota. As an expression of that welcome, we have outlined below some of the core concepts of our faith, in order to provide you with some simple reference points as you visit among us. We hope these will be 'conversation starters' and that you will halp us move the Christian conversation forwards.
At Saint John Lutheran Church, we believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God, inerrant in the original writings, complete as the revelation of God's will for salvation, and the supreme authority in all matters to which they speak. We further believe in one God, creator and sustainer of all things, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit; that they are equal in every divine perfection and that they execute distinct and harmonious offices in the work of creation, providence, and redemption.
About Eternity: We all were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin or in union with God through forgiveness and salvation. For the Christian, eternity is a place of eternal union and life with God.
About Salvation: We believe in salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ; that this salvation is based upon the sovereign grace of God; that it was purchased by Christ on the cross; that it is received through faith, apart from any human merit, works, or ritual; and that salvation results in righteous living, good works and biblically informed actions to bring about godly justice wherever we live.