Lutherans and Exclusivism

[Christian_Commenter_1234]

A recent discussion about conservative Lutheranism brought up the discussion of exclusivism.

Athanasian Creed interpreted more and more narrowly as to who is saved. Catholics (Christians) only? Protestants only (no Roman Catholics)? Evangelicals (conservative Protestants) only? Lutherans only? Conservative Lutherans only? Own Lutheran body only?

My question is do any Lutherans hold this position. Is scriptural ? Is it confession (what position would Martin Luther take)?

 

[Resha Caner]

A recent discussion about conservative Lutheranism brought up the discussion of exclusivism. My question is do any Lutherans hold this position. Is scriptural ? Is it confession (what position would Martin Luther take)?

Are you asking if Lutherans think only Lutherans are saved? The answer would be no. In fact, as Lutherans we don't make any judgement at all about who is saved and who is not. That is for God only (James 4:12). What Lutherans focus on is preaching/teaching the message of Law and Gospel, administering the sacraments, and living as part of the Church.

 

[SalusaSecundus]

Confessional Lutheranism is the true faith given to man by God. And the Augsburg Confession is none other than a true summary of the doctrines God has given to man. That doesn't mean that all those outside of Lutheranism are damned. That doesn't even mean that all Lutheans are saved. All those who have faith in Christ for their salvation are saved, albeit in spite of errant teaching.

A recent discussion about conservative Lutheranism brought up the discussion of exclusivism.

My question is do any Lutherans hold this position. Is scriptural ? Is it confession (what position would Martin Luther take)?

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Are you asking if Lutherans think only Lutherans are saved? The answer would be no. In fact, as Lutherans we don't make any judgement at all about who is saved and who is not. That is for God only (James 4:12). What Lutherans focus on is preaching/teaching the message of Law and Gospel, administering the sacraments, and living as part of the Church.

Confessional Lutheranism is the true faith given to man by God. And the Augsburg Confession is none other than a true summary of the doctrines God has given to man. That doesn't mean that all those outside of Lutheranism are damned. That doesn't even mean that all Lutheans are saved. All those who have faith in Christ for their salvation are saved, albeit in spite of errant teaching.

Great answers, I have nothing to add!

 

[PreachersWife2004]

A recent discussion about conservative Lutheranism brought up the discussion of exclusivism.

My question is do any Lutherans hold this position. Is scriptural ? Is it confession (what position would Martin Luther take)?

The athanasian creed was an answer to the heresy of Arianism, which stated that jesus was less than the father.

It is pretty strongly worded as far as believing in the Trinity and salvation. I would question any Christian if they said they didn't believe in the Trinity, though.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

The athanasian creed was an answer to the heresy of Arianism, which stated that jesus was less than the father.

It is pretty strongly worded as far as believing in the Trinity and salvation. I would question any Christian if they said they didn't believe in the Trinity, though.

Strong wording makes for strong faith!

I like it.