Lutheran

Conversion is wholly God''s work — we cannot come by our own reason or strength — yet God sincerely wills all to be saved, and the lost resist. Lutherans refuse to teach election to damnation.

Key points: Monergism in salvation; universal saving will; no double predestination.

Sources: Formula of Concord, Art. II, XI

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Christ's true body and blood are received "in, with, and under" the bread and wine (sacramental union) — really present, but without a change of substance.

Key points: "This is my body" taken at face value; presence by Christ's Word, not transubstantiation; received by mouth, benefiting those who believe.

Representative voices: Martin Luther

Sources: Augsburg Confession Art. X; Luther's Small Catechism

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Baptism is a means of grace that works forgiveness and new birth, for adults and infants alike; the water joined to God's Word does what it promises.

Key points: "Baptism now saves" (1 Pet 3:21); efficacy by the Word; infants included.

Sources: Small Catechism, Holy Baptism; Augsburg Confession Art. IX

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Salvation is by grace alone and election is to salvation — but Lutherans refuse to teach election to damnation. The cause of salvation is grace; the cause of loss is human resistance.

Key points: Monergism in salvation; no double predestination; election preached for comfort, not speculation.

Sources: Formula of Concord, Art. XI

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Justification is by faith alone apart from works; James describes the good works that necessarily flow from a living faith and demonstrate it before others.

Key points: Faith alone justifies; living faith inevitably works; "faith" and "justify" used differently by Paul and James.

Sources: Augsburg Confession Art. IV–VI; Formula of Concord

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