Lutherans, what is required for conversion?

[Holyroller125]

Alright - I've noticed some teaching from LCMS that someone does not have "remission of sins" unless baptized. Even with confession of faith, no remission of sins until the time of water baptism, and that the only "manner" for "remission of sins" is water baptism.

-Do Lutherans believe that confession and water baptism is required for conversion (becoming a Christian?

- OR -

Do Lutherans believe that conversion occurs with the confession faith ONLY (e.g., Romans 10:9-10, +13, believe and confess, call on the name of the Lord)?

Would like some clarification on the Lutheran Church, especiallly the LCMS view.

Thank You,
Greg

 

[Tangible]

Lutheran conversion theology is first and foremost about the Word. God acts through his Word, in this case specifically the Gospel, to take the benefits of the perfect meritorious works of Christ on our behalf and apply them to an individual. The Gospel is the power of God for salvation.

The Gospel may be first encountered as the Word verbally proclaimed or may come to an individual initially as the Word in and with the water of Holy Baptism. One who receives faith in Christ through the proclaimed Word will receive Holy Baptism and all the promises God has attached to it. One who receives faith through Holy Baptism will learn and grow in the faith as s/he is exposed to the proclaimed Word.

It is not an either/or thing, it is a both/and thing.

 

[Daniel Stinson]

Alright - I've noticed some teaching from LCMS that someone does not have "remission of sins" unless baptized. Even with confession of faith, no remission of sins until the time of water baptism, and that the only "manner" for "remission of sins" is water baptism.

-Do Lutherans believe that confession and water baptism is required for conversion (becoming a Christian?

- OR -

Do Lutherans believe that conversion occurs with the confession faith ONLY (e.g., Romans 10:9-10, +13, believe and confess, call on the name of the Lord)?

Would like some clarification on the Lutheran Church, especiallly the LCMS view.

Thank You,
Greg

For adults who convert to Christianity within the LCMS, you must acknowledge that you're a sinner, confess your sins before God, request repentance from these sins, provide a confession of faith on the chief parts of Christianity, receive the Sacrament of Baptism atoning for these sins, and you're now a member of the Christian family under the Trinity. You would now have access to the Sacrament of the Eucharist to actively wash away your ongoing sin and to revitalize your ongoing faith given to you as a gift by God.