What are the differences between Eastern Orthodox and the Missouri Synod?
A. The booklet “Our Church and Others” by sainted LCMS professor Lewis Spitz (which is out of print) discusses the differences between the LCMS and the Eastern Orthodox Church, including: • Like the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church puts some traditions on a par with Holy Scripture, while the LCMS regards Scripture alone as the final authority for faith and life; • The Eastern Orthodox Church views salvation as a process by which the Christian becomes more and more like God through a combination of faith and love, while the LCMS believes that a person is saved by God’s grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ. Justification is a declaration of God’s grace, not a “process” involving a person’s sanctification. • Differences exist regarding the number and nature of the sacraments. It teaches that no sacrament is valid unless administered by a properly ordained priest. • The Eastern Orthodox Church believes itself to be the true visible church on earth. • Difference
