Our faith - Espoo International Lutheran Church

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland has shaped Finnish society in many ways since the 1500s. At the same time, it is part of the worldwide Church of Christ, which is why it transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries. The church is actively involved in ecumenical activities and is determined to reach out to all Christians and co-operate with people of other faiths.

Some basics of what we believe

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1 NIV UK)

As Christians, we believe in one God who created the universe. God made himself known through his creation and through the Bible, the Holy Book of the Christian Church. The Bible is also called the word of God. It teaches us about God's character, his actions, and his love for all people.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3.16 NIV UK)

The Gospels tell the story of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who lived 2,000 years ago in Palestine. Jesus showed how God loves the world. God became human in Jesus. He lived and preached God's love, helping especially the weak and marginalised. He healed the sick and drove out evil spirits. He was executed on a cross, but three days later, he rose from the dead and appeared to many people before ascending to heaven.

God then gave his Holy Spirit to live in the hearts of all believers. The Holy Spirit helps Christians live out their faith with love and service to others. We are called to share God's love and invite everyone to join the community of believers in Jesus, the ‘kingdom of God’.

Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’ (Matthew 28:18–20 NIV UK)

The Apostles’ Creed

I believe in God,
the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ,
God’s only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to the dead.
On the third day he rose again;
he ascended into heaven,
he is seated at the right hand of the Father,
and he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting.