Concordia University’s Center for Faith & Business
Statement of Faith & Application of Faith
We believe, teach, and confess historic, biblical Christianity, applying it in a modern
world. We are guided by the Great Commission of Christ Jesus. Since the Great Commission
(Matthew 28:18-20) includes teaching everything Christ has commanded, we understand
this to encompass the entire teaching of Holy Scripture. The Bible is the source of our
theology. This statement is a brief summary of this biblical faith.
Salvation
We believe that the central and most essential teaching of Christianity is the doctrine of
justification. Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God, became incarnate as a true
human being. By His holy life, innocent suffering and death and bodily resurrection, He
has reconciled the world to God. We believe that all who receive Him receive the benefits
that He has won for us by His work: namely the forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation.
We believe that we are justified by grace through faith in Christ Jesus alone, apart from
human works or merit (Ephesians 2:8-10).
The Triune God
We believe that Jesus Christ, along with the Holy Scriptures, reveals the nature of God to
us. We believe that there is only one God in three coeternal and coequal persons, the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
Holy Scripture
We believe that the Bible is inspired by God and is the only infallible source of doctrine,
life, and practice (2 Timothy 3:15-17). We believe that God’s Word reveals His holy Law
not so that we can save ourselves, but so that we see the need for our salvation in Jesus
Christ. We believe that God’s Word also reveals His Gospel – the good news that we are
forgiven for Christ’s sake.
Humanity
We believe that humanity was created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). We also
believe that all humans, except for Jesus Christ, have fallen into sin from which they
cannot free themselves. All peoples, races, and both sexes are united in these truths.
Likewise, we believe that Jesus Christ has come to be the Savior of all. The Gospel
allows us to make no distinction in the value or significance of any person. “There is no
difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely
by His grace” (Romans 3:22-24).
The Means of Grace
We believe that God has promised to bless us as we use the means of grace in faith and
according to His institution. We believe that the Gospel is the power of God to salvation,
(Romans 1:17) that Baptism gives us His forgiveness and incorporates us into His family
(Romans 6:3-8), and that He feeds us with Christ’s body and blood for our forgiveness in
the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-28).
The Christian Life
We believe that the Christian life is a life of faith and a response of thanksgiving and
gratitude to God. The child of God seeks to grow in faith and in service to others. Yet
Christianity is not a matter of behavior but of faith. This faith results in changed
behavior, but is not defined by this response.
The Great Commission
We believe that Christ has commissioned His people to make disciples of all nations. We
believe that all Christians are called to share their faith with others (Matthew 28:18-20).
Vocation
We believe that God equips people with talents and abilities. Any occupation or interest
that is not opposed to God’s Word can be an act of service to Him. While God calls some
into vocations of ministry in the church, we believe that God is also pleased when His
people live out other vocations to His glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
Our relationship with other Christians
We believe that all Christians are part of the one true Church. We rejoice in the common
teachings that unite all believers in the truth of God’s Word even as we recognize the
existence and differences in various Christian groups and denominations.
Application of this Biblical Faith
Acceptance of this faith
This faith is proclaimed and lived at Concordia University. Full time faculty share this
confession and have declared their agreement with it. Our staff and adjunct faculty
promise that their work will be done in a manner that is consistent with this faith. Staff
and students come from a variety of theological traditions. They may share in this
confession or continue in their own profession of faith as we live and work together.
Engagement with the Bible
In our interactions with students and colleagues, we seek to apply this biblical faith along
with our academic and professional disciplines. In a variety of ways, our campus
community encounters God’s Word (for example, in chapel, Bible Studies, personal
interactions, and in the ministry of the campus pastor). We believe that the Holy Spirit
works through the Gospel to transform the hearts and lives of all who hear and believe its
message.
Acceptance is not forced
We believe that the Holy Spirit works faith through the Gospel. We maintain that this
response of faith cannot be coerced or legislated. Students are introduced to the content
and application of this faith, and are invited to hear and respond to the Gospel, but a
faith-response is not demanded of students. All are to be treated with respect and dignity.
“Secular” disciplines
We maintain that the pursuit of knowledge and understanding in a variety of academic
fields is a valid Christian vocation. It is legitimate for Christians to study and teach
subjects that are not directly concerned with the Holy Scriptures.
We maintain that serving God in the various vocations that He has given us means that
we will strive for excellence in all that we do.
We maintain that human knowledge has limits but God’s knowledge is limitless. This
may result in challenges and paradoxes in our understanding. Particularly in such times,
Christian scholars rely on the Word of God even as they work to understand their
discipline.
We maintain that it is legitimate to explore and learn about viewpoints, issues, and
expressions that are non-biblical and even antagonistic to biblical faith. Such exploration
is necessary if we want to comprehend this world, expand our knowledge, and understand
our own position. We believe that Christians should understand various viewpoints as
they really are and not distort them. At the same time, we believe that Christians should
articulate a response to challenges to the Gospel.
The two kingdoms
We believe that Christians are subject to God’s Word and also to secular authority. On
this basis, we maintain that our relationships on and off campus may be guided by the
Scriptures in some situations (for example, in chapel, Bible study, or spiritual counsel)
and by laws and regulations in other relationships (for example, in residence hall rules or
policies on alcohol use). As we are a community of human beings, we maintain that rules
and regulations of conduct are necessary for harmonious and orderly living together.
These rules, though necessary, are not to be equated with the Gospel. Compliance with
rules is not a sign that an individual is a Christian. Rather, these rules are applications of
God’s desire for order in our world.
Service
We believe that God calls His redeemed children to lives of love and service towards
others. We maintain that as we use our gifts and abilities in all aspects of our lives, that
we fulfill His call for us to be the light of the world.