We believe the canonical books of the Old and New Testaments are the inspired Word of God
and the only infallible rule of faith and practice. We accept the three Ecumenical Creeds,
namely, the Apostles’, Nicene, and Athanasian Creeds as faithful witnesses to the truth of the
Holy Scriptures. We also accept the confessional writings of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
as they are contained in the Book of Concord of 1580 because they are faithful and true
exposition of the Word of God.
The Apostles’ Creed and Luther’s Explanation of it in his Small Catechism summarize what we
believe about the Holy Trinity, Jesus Christ, and salvation along with many other articles of
the Christian faith. It is included below for your convenience. If you want to read more about
the official teachings of Mission of the Cross Lutheran Church and the Lutheran
Church—Missouri Synod please check out the entire Book of Concord at
www.bookofconcord.org which includes all of Luther’s Small Catechism. You might also find
the answers to these frequently asked questions helpful
https://www.lcms.org/about/beliefs/faqs. Pastor Traphagan is always happy to meet with
anyone who has questions about what we believe and why we believe it. Please don’t hesitate
to contact him using the contact information here (link to contact us page).
The First Article
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
What does this mean?
I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears,
and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me
clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have.
He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me
against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly,
divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank
and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.
The Second Article
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin
Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The
third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the
Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
What does this mean?
I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of
the virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won
me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His
holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under
Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as
He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.
The Third Article
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of
sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen
What does this mean?
I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to
Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and
kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole
Christian Church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian
Church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will
raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly
true.