The Heart of It All
Peace is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), and enjoys fellowship with the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS).
We believe that salvation comes to us through faith in Christ Jesus alone. He lived the perfect life that we have not, he died an innocent death to take the punishment for the sins of the world, and he rose again to prove His payment was accepted. We believe, based on God’s promises in his Word, that it is through Christ alone that we will enjoy eternal life in heaven.
Knowing that we have eternal life in heaven changes our whole outlook on life here on earth. We have hope, joy, and a reason to live.
The Word
We hold to the Bible as the true Word of God and follow only the teachings which God has handed down to us in his Word. We believe God’s Word because we believe its central message, that we are sinners, but that God provided a Savior in His Son Christ Jesus. We believe that every word of Scripture is inspired by God and so it is errorless in every detail. God gives us his Word to keep our eyes focused on the hope that we have. We are strengthened and comforted by his Word as we read, hear, or study it.
The Sacraments
The Bible teaches that God has given us two other means of bringing us the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation Christ won for us on the cross.
Baptism is not a symbol of us becoming God’s child but is a medium through which God blesses His people. Baptism brings the forgiveness of sins. Baptism also creates faith by which the forgiveness of sins is received. Trusting in the promises God attaches to baptism, we practice infant baptism, but we also baptize adults who have not yet received baptism.
The Lord’s Supper was instituted by Jesus on the night of his betrayal. According to Christ’s Word and institution, His body and blood are truly present, distributed and received in the Lord’s Supper, under the forms of bread and wine. This Supper is intended for Christians who know and adhere to the teachings of God’s Word, who are able to examine themselves on the basis of that Word, and who repent of their sins and look to Christ alone for forgiveness. The body and blood of Christ are offered and received in this Sacrament for the forgiveness of sins and for the strengthening of faith.
For specific topics, see:
Luther’s Small Catechism here.
We Believe, Teach, and Confess from the Evangelical Lutheran Synod here.
Our pastor is happy to answer any questions you might have regarding our beliefs.