Definitive Lutheranism

The distinctive Lutheran claim is that sinners are justified by grace through faith; no ifs, ands or buts. If you can say that sinners are justified in the sight of God by grace alone, through faith alone, on account of Christ alone without hedging with if... and... or but... then you might be a Lutheran.

To the extent that we are saved by grace, to that extent we can say we are Christian. To the extent that we say sinners must also do something -- even believe -- to that extent we are humanists and not Christians.

Make Christ your boast and put no confidence in the flesh...