We Believe
At Hope we find ourselves inserted in the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan for humanity. From the dawn of creation to the present day, God has been at work, weaving together the threads of history to form a tapestry of Grace and Redemption in His Son, Jesus Christ. We see ourselves as part of this larger story—a story that begins with God’s creation of the world, continues through the fall of humanity into sin, and culminates in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As followers of Christ, we are invited to participate in God’s ongoing work, joining hands with our brothers and sisters in faith to proclaim the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth. In embracing our identity as part of the people of God, we recognize both the privilege and the responsibility that comes with being part of such a special and unique narrative. Through loving God and loving our neighbour we seek to honor God’s story and contribute to its unfolding in the world today.
We hold steadfastly to Biblical teachings which generate our Lutheran theological tradition. Here’s a glimpse into what guides us:
1. The Authority of Scripture
We revere the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God, serving as our ultimate source of truth and guidance. Through its pages, we encounter the living God and His divine plan for humanity.
2. The Triune God
We affirm the doctrine of the Trinity, acknowledging one God in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In awe of the mystery of God’s triune nature, we worship Him as the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all things.
3. Salvation by Grace Alone
We celebrate the unmerited grace of God, freely bestowed upon humanity through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Salvation is a gift, not earned through human effort, but received by faith in Christ alone.
4. Sacraments as Means of Grace
We cherish the sacraments of Baptism and Communion as sacred rites instituted by Christ Himself. In Baptism, we are initiated into the family of God, and in Communion, we partake of Christ’s body and blood for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith.
5. The Community of Believers
We embrace the rich tapestry of the Christian community, united in our common faith in Jesus Christ. As members of the body of Christ, we support and encourage one another, striving to live out our faith in love and service to others.
6. The Hope of Christ’s Return
We eagerly anticipate the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will come again in power and glory to establish His kingdom on earth. In anticipation of His coming, we live with hope and expectation, faithfully proclaiming the Gospel to the ends of the earth.
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We affirm the Holy Scriptures as the inspired and infallible Word of God, containing all things necessary for salvation and faith. Grounded in the Old and New Testaments, we embrace the Bible as the authoritative source of divine revelation, guiding us in matters of doctrine, faith, and practice.
Central to our faith is the doctrine of the Trinity, confessing one God in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We worship the Father as the Creator and sustainer of the universe, the Son as the Redeemer and Savior of humanity, and the Holy Spirit as the Sanctifier and Comforter of believers.
We proclaim the Gospel of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. Salvation is a gift freely given by God, not earned or deserved by human works. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we receive forgiveness, reconciliation, and eternal life, solely by His atoning sacrifice on the cross.
In accordance with Scripture and the Lutheran confessions, we celebrate two sacraments instituted by Christ Himself: Holy Baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Holy Communion). In Baptism, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, reborn as children of God and heirs of His kingdom. In the Lord’s Supper, we receive the true body and blood of Christ for the forgiveness of sins and the strengthening of our faith.
We confess the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic Church, consisting of all believers in Christ throughout the world and across time. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to live in unity and love, bearing witness to the Gospel in word and deed. We gather as the community of faith to worship God, proclaim His Word, and celebrate the sacraments, recognizing the diversity of gifts and ministries within the body.
We believe in the efficacy of the means of grace—Word and Sacrament—as the primary ways through which God communicates His grace and salvation to His people. Through the preaching of the Word and the administration of the sacraments, the Holy Spirit works to create and sustain faith, nurture believers in their spiritual growth, and equip them for lives of discipleship and service.
We confess the communion of saints, affirming our unity with all believers in Christ, both living and departed. As members of the body of Christ, we are called to love and support one another, bearing each other’s burdens and sharing in each other’s joys and sorrows. We rejoice in the fellowship of the saints, drawing strength and encouragement from our shared faith and common confession.
We await with eager expectation the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will come again in power and glory to judge the living and the dead and to establish His kingdom in its fullness. We anticipate the day when every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, and God will be all in all.
“God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.” — John 3:16 (ESV)
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