There's no short answer to that question!

This is because our answer begins with the Holy Scriptures—all 66 books of the Old and New Testaments. We confess that the Bible is the inspired word of God, and all our beliefs come from it.

Our answer continues with with the creeds: Apostles', Nicene, and Athanasian. The historic Christian Church has confessed these creeds throughout the centuries, and they are summaries of the truths taught in Scripture.

Next, our answer turns to the historic confessions of the Lutheran Church, contained in the Book of Concord. This book confesses the truths of Scripture, and we join our voices to this confession because it accords with Scripture.

Finally, we are part of the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. As part of this denomination, we walk together with other Lutherans in these same confessions. We confess the same Good News for the salvation of all who believe.