Saving Faith

Hi there. I am inquiring into the WELS Lutheran faith. I know that different denominations have different meanings for saving faith. The Catholic Church's teaching is believing everything the Catholic Church teaches. Baptists say it is the sinner's prayer asking Jesus into your heart. Others teach having a one on one personal relationship with Jesus. But I know the Lutheran Church teaching is faith in Christ. Could you describe what saving faith actually entails? I want to become a Christian right now. I have never been to church a day in my life. Thank you so much!

Saving faith is a complete reliance upon Jesus Christ for salvation.  When the panic-stricken jailer in Philippi asked, “What must I do to be saved?” he received the answer:  “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your whole household” (Acts 16:30-31).

Faith in Jesus Christ saves because that faith is attached to the One who lived a holy life in our place and who suffered the punishment our sins deserved.  Jesus lived up to his name, which means “Savior.”

While saving faith consists of knowledge and one’s assent to that knowledge as being true, the most significant and important component of saving faith is trust and reliance on Jesus Christ alone for salvation and not on our works of the law.

God works Christian faith in people through his powerful gospel; Christian faith is a gift of God (Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 12:3; Ephesians 2:8).  No one decides to become a Christian.

Christian faith, finally, is living and active, on display in everyday Christian living (cf. James).

If you are looking for a WELS church in your area, the WELS Locator tool can help.  When you visit a church, please speak to the pastor.  He will be glad to let you know about the church’s Bible classes and worship schedule.  God bless you!