What We Believe
Trinity is a Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Congregation. We don’t know where you are in your faith walk, but we understand that questions are worth answering. While it’s impossible to address every question you might have, we hope this overview will at least provide a start.
The Bible is the infallible word of God, spoken through human writers. It is the sole authority, guide and standard for all that we do. (2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Timothy 3:16-17)
God is one, yet also three persons at the same time: the Father, who created and sustains the world; the Son, who lived as fully human, died, and rose from the dead; and the Holy Spirit who works God’s will in the world. (Matthew 28:18-21)
Sin exists in every person. It is the cause of the bad things people do to each other. (Romans 5:12, 18-19) Everyone will have existence after death – either in heaven or hell – forever and without end. God has a plan to end the world, when He will judge everyone – both the living and the dead. (Matthew 25:31-46)
We believe in the sign of the cross. It is a symbol used by all Christians. The cross symbolizes the terrible death that Jesus suffered as punishment for our sins. The empty cross is a symbol of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. (Colossians 2:13-15)
Baptism starts with God. It is a sacred act in which He combines His life-giving Word and command to water. Through baptism, our Lord claims each of us as His son or daughter. A baptized individual begins a new relationship with God, receives forgiveness of sins, and is filled with the Holy Spirit to grasp His promises by faith. From Scripture we recognize “whoever believes and is baptized will be saved,” (Mark 16:16, ESV). From our confessions “to be saved is to be delivered from sin, death and the devil, to enter into Christ’s Kingdom, and to live with Him forever.”
Trinity presents a single-session class for parents (members and non-members) of children to be baptized. The class will focus on the Biblical nature of baptism and will also focus on the spiritual development of the child. This class is presented by Dave Sheldon, Part Time Men’s and Senior’s Ministry Associate. Trinity believes that baptism is one of God’s gifts of love to us. One of the key points of this class is to provide assistance, instruction, and encouragement in the parent’s role as their child’s faith former. To schedule a baptism and/or register for the Special Beginnings Baptism Class at Trinity, contact Linda Powell, lpowell@trinityutica.com or (586) 731-4490, ext. 100.
God loved the world, though we do not deserve His love. He sent His Son to save the ungodly. (Ephesians 2:8-10)
Jesus has provided for our forgiveness and life; those who hear this promise and believe it, have what it offers. People don’t “get” faith; God gives it as He gives us His promises. (Romans 1:16-17)
The Bible is the only source that shows God’s will and the only basis for faith. (2 Timothy 3:16 17)
- The Bible, Baptism (for all ages), and Communion are a means by which God gives people His grace.
- The Bible never says God’s promises only hold true for adults or for those who are able to understand.
- Our right standing with God does not depend on our decision to come to Him, but rather on His coming to us. (Acts 2:38-39; Matthew 26:26-28)
- God is loving and that He offers forgiveness and eternal life as a free gift because of Jesus Christ. Salvation is a free gift.
- We believe that no matter how hard we try, we cannot earn God’s forgiveness or a place in heaven. It is a free gift we receive only through faith in Jesus Christ. (Galatians 2:15-21)