Lutheran churches and churches of Christ share several important beliefs. Both teach that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, that salvation comes through God's grace, and that Scripture is God's inspired Word. Both also connect baptism with the forgiveness of sins, something that may surprise those unfamiliar with their teachings.
Yet significant differences remain concerning salvation, baptism, the Lord's Supper, worship, and church authority. Understanding these differences requires examining what each teaches and considering how those teachings compare with the New Testament.
Where Did These Differences Begin?
Lutheranism developed during the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century. Martin Luther challenged teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, particularly those concerning salvation and religious authority. His followers eventually became known as Lutherans.
Many congregations known today as churches of Christ have historical connections to the Restoration Movement of the nineteenth century. Its emphasis was returning to the teaching and practices of the New Testament church.
These historical backgrounds help explain their different approaches. Yet both traditions claim to follow Scripture, so the important question concerns how faithfully their teachings reflect what God has revealed.
What Determines What the Church Teaches?
Lutherans affirm Scripture as the highest authority for Christian faith. They also accept historic statements of belief collected in the Book of Concord, including the Augsburg Confession and Luther's catechisms. These documents are regarded as faithful explanations of biblical teaching.
Churches of Christ generally emphasize teaching directly from Scripture without requiring adherence to an additional written confession of faith. Their conviction draws upon passages such as , which describes Scripture as sufficient to equip God's people for every good work.
The question worth examining is how religious traditions and written explanations of Scripture should function in determining what Christians believe and practice.
Is Salvation by Faith Alone?
Lutheran teaching emphasizes justification by faith alone, meaning that sinners are made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ rather than through works that earn His favor.
clearly teaches that salvation is God's gift of grace, received through faith. However, also states, "You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone."
These passages must be understood together. James describes Abraham's faith as working together with his actions (), while Paul explains that salvation cannot be earned through human accomplishments.
Christians should therefore consider what Scripture means by saving faith and how obedience belongs to a life of trusting Jesus. The church's responsibility is to teach the relationship between grace, faith, and obedience as God has revealed it.
Why Do Lutherans Baptize Infants?
Lutherans teach that baptism brings God's forgiveness and that even infants may receive faith through the Holy Spirit. Baptism is commonly administered by pouring water, although immersion is also recognized.
The New Testament describes people hearing the gospel, believing, repenting, and being baptized. In , those who believed Philip's preaching were baptized. Peter likewise instructed his listeners to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins ().
Paul describes baptism as a burial and resurrection with Christ () and connects it with faith in God's powerful work ().
The differences therefore concern who should receive baptism and how baptism should be performed. Those seeking to follow the New Testament pattern understand these passages to describe the immersion of believers who have personally responded to the gospel.
What About the Lord's Supper?
Lutherans teach that Christ's body and blood are truly received with the bread and wine in the Lord's Supper. Communion frequency varies among Lutheran congregations.
Churches of Christ generally observe the Lord's Supper every Sunday, following the example of disciples gathering to break bread on the first day of the week ().
Jesus instructed His disciples to partake in remembrance of Him (). Paul also explained that Christians proclaim the Lord's death whenever they partake () and described participation in Christ's body and blood ().
These passages invite careful consideration of both the meaning of the Supper and how often Christians should observe it.
How Do Worship and Church Leadership Differ?
Lutheran worship commonly includes structured prayers, Scripture readings, congregational singing accompanied by instruments, and a church calendar. Lutheran denominations also have different forms of regional or national oversight.
Churches of Christ generally practice congregational singing without instruments, following the instructions to sing in and . Their congregations are typically overseen by local elders, following the pattern described in and .
The underlying question concerns how Christians identify which practices and arrangements Christ has authorized for His church.
What Should Christians Conclude?
These differences involve sincere disagreements about passages both groups consider authoritative. Each teaching deserves examination in its biblical context, including the strongest arguments offered by those who understand it differently.
When Paul preached in Berea, his listeners examined the Scriptures daily to determine whether his message was true (). That same willingness to investigate remains essential for every Christian.
The goal is to understand what Jesus has taught and faithfully follow Him. His Word deserves greater confidence than any religious tradition or teacher.
Those wishing to study these matters further are welcome at Memorial Church of Christ in Port Arthur, Texas.
Plan your visit. Come as you are, and ask us anything.
If you want to see for yourself what the Bible says about becoming a Christian, start here.
When we meet:
- Sunday: Bible Class 9am, Worship 10am, Worship 6pm
- Wednesday: Bible Class 7pm