• Sinners are made right with God by grace alone through faith alone on account of Christ alone. This is the article of faith by which the Church stands or falls.

 

• The Word of God is Jesus Christ, the proclamation about him, and the Holy Scriptures.

 

• This Word functions as both law and gospel, which need to be distinguished, but not separated.

 

• The law orders society and convicts us of sin, showing us our need for a Savior.

 

• The gospel is the power of God that liberates us from sin, death, and the power of the devil, and brings us, by grace, from death to life.

 

• God elects sinners for salvation through the proclamation of the Word by which the Holy Spirit gives faith.

 

• The Church is the assembly of saints in which the Gospel is taught purely and the sacraments are administered rightly.

 

• It is not necessary that human traditions or rites and ceremonies, instituted by men, should be alike everywhere. (CA VII) Churches band together in fellowship and mission to strengthen their ministries