The German monk, Martin Luther, sparked the Protestant Reformation in 1517 by writing about discrepancies between the written word of God and that of the Roman Catholic Church, specifically on the sale of indulgences. His writings, lectures and sermons inspired others to protest church practices and call for reform. What makes Lutheran theology distinct from other Christian denominations?

Justification by grace through faith for Christ's sake.
This is the heart of our gospel as written by Paul to the Romans and Galatians. Faith isn't obtained by intellectually understanding facts about God, or by how much one believes in Him. By faith alone, this relationship with God, we believe in His promise of forgiveness and salvation through Christ.

Law and gospel.
Based on Luther's insight, we read the gospel in knowing that we are sinners. However, God's law always accuses us, but the gospel frees us from sin.

Means of grace.
We are saved by the grace of God alone, not by anything we do. We believe grace is obtained through word and sacrament. Worship celebrating baptism and the Lord?s Supper is core to our identity.

Theology of the cross.
God reconciled his people through Christ on the cross on earth. Instruction of His life is not centered on the crucifixion, but on the greater meaning of His lessons.

To become a Lutheran, only Baptism and instruction in the Christian faith is required. If you are already baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, it will be necessary only to attend a membership class in a Lutheran congregation and thus signify your desire to become a part of its community. Active members of other Lutheran congregations usually need only to transfer their membership. (www.ELCA.org)