In my interactions with some on another blog site, I have met with surprising resistance concerning the Christian and Lutheran teaching that the central teaching of the faith is justification by God's grace alone through faith alone in Christ Jesus. Indeed, some calling themselves "Lutherans" have went so far as to suggest that this central teaching of the Christian Church can be rejected by individuals who would then still remain Christians. I simply do not understand the mindset of those who want to assail the Gospel with their rationalism and deny the teachings of the Scriptures and our Lutheran Confession. After all, we are delivered from the law, sin, and death by the glorious promise of God that Christ did all the works necessary for our justification. He lived a life of perfect obedience to the Father where it is impossible that we could. It is because of what Christ did that we have been reconciled to God. Christ's righteousness has been imputed to us, even though we do not deserve it. Yes, it is a free gift received through faith alone and not by our own works. That this doctrine is so extremely important prompted the Apostle Paul to write to the Galatians, "But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8). So, when I read from some who claim to be Lutheran the explicit or implicit denial that justification by God's grace alone, received through faith alone in Jesus Christ, is the Central teaching of the faith and that those who call themselves "Christians," and yet reject this central truth of the faith, still have the gospel, then I wonder in profound amazement just where the theological train derailed for these people. With this in mind I offer some quotations from the Lutheran Confessions on the importance of the doctrine of justification by God's grace alone through faith alone in Christ. I am so thankful for the Lutherans in the past—men like Martin Luther and Martin Chemnitz—who would have rather died than recant this central doctrine of the Christian faith. God grant us the strength to stand firm in the truth of His Word. Amen! "1] In the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and, below, in the Twentieth Article, they condemn us, for teaching that men obtain remission of sins not because of their own merits, but freely for Christ's sake, through faith in Christ. [They reject quite stubbornly both these statements.] For they condemn us both for denying that men obtain remission of sins because of their own merits, and for affirming that, through faith, men obtain remission of sins, and through faith in Christ 2] are justified. But since in this controversy the chief topic of Christian doctrine is treated, which, understood aright, illumines and amplifies the honor of Christ [which is of especial service for the clear, correct understanding of the entire Holy Scriptures, and alone shows the way to the unspeakable treasure and right knowledge of Christ, and alone opens the door to the entire Bible], and brings necessary and most abundant consolation to devout consciences, we ask His Imperial Majesty to hear us with forbearance in regard to matters of such importance. 3] For since the adversaries understand neither what the remission of sins, nor what faith, nor what grace, nor what righteousness is, they sadly corrupt this topic, and obscure the glory and benefits of Christ, and rob devout consciences of the consolations offered in Christ. 4] But that we may strengthen the position of our Confession, and also remove the charges which the adversaries advance against us, certain things are to be premised in the beginning, in order that the sources of both kinds of doctrine, i.e., both that of our adversaries and our own, may be known" (Ap IV(II), 1-4).
"6] This article concerning justification by faith (as the Apology says) is the chief article in the entire Christian doctrine, without which no poor conscience can have any firm consolation, or can truly know the riches of the grace of Christ, as Dr. Luther also has written: If this only article remains pure on the battlefield, the Christian Church also remains pure, and in goodly harmony and without any sects; but if it does not remain pure, it is not possible that any error or fanatical spirit can be resisted. (Tom. 5, Jena, p. 159.) 7] And concerning this article especially Paul says that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. Therefore, in this article he urges with so much zeal and earnestness the particulas exclusivas, that is, the words whereby the works of men are excluded (namely, without Law, without works, by grace [freely], Rom. 3:28; 4:5; Eph. 2:8-9), in order to indicate how highly necessary it is that in this article, aside from [the presentation of] the pure doctrine, the antithesis, that is, all contrary dogmas, be stated separately, exposed, and rejected by this means" (FC SD III, 6-9).
"Who does not see that this article—that by faith we obtain the forgiveness of sins—is most true, most certain, and especially necessary to all Christians? Who to all posterity, hearing that such a doctrine has been condemned, will judge that the authors of it had any knowledge of Christ?
Even though the advesaries claim the name of the Church for themselves, we know that Christ's Church is with those who teach Christ's Gospel, not with those who defend wicked opinions contrary to the Gospel. As the Lords says, 'My sheep hear My voice' (John 10:27)" (Ap V (III) 277 (398), 279 (400) ).
"1] That Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, died for our sins, and was raised again for our justification, Rom. 4:25.
2] And He alone is the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world, John 1:29; and God has laid upon Him the iniquities of us all, Is. 53:6.
3] Likewise: All have sinned and are justified without merit [freely, and without their own works or merits] by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, in His blood, Rom. 3:23f
4] Now, since it is necessary to believe this, and it cannot be otherwise acquired or apprehended by any work, law, or merit, it is clear and certain that this faith alone justifies us as St. Paul says, Rom. 3:28: For we conclude that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the Law. Likewise 3:26: That He might be just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Christ.
5] Of this article nothing can be yielded or surrendered [nor can anything be granted or permitted contrary to the same], even though heaven and earth, and whatever will not abide, should sink to ruin. For there is none other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved, says Peter, Acts 4:12. And with His stripes we are healed, Is. 53:5. And upon this article all things depend which we teach and practice in opposition to the Pope, the devil, and the [whole] world. Therefore, we must be sure concerning this doctrine, and not doubt; for otherwise all is lost, and the Pope and devil and all things gain the victory and suit over us" (SA-II, 1-5)
For an excellent article on the central doctrine of Christianity, and hence Lutheranism, read The Doctrine of Justification in the Lutheran Confessions by Herbert J.A. Bouman, Concordia Theological Monthly VVXI, November 1955, No. 11 (found here). I quote from the essay,
In the 1538 edition of his commentary on Galatians, Luther speaks of "this one and firm rock, which we call the doctrine of justification, that is, that we are delivered from sin, death, and devil, not through ourselves (nor certainly through our works which are of lesser value than we ourselves), but through outside help, through the Only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ." l "If speaks of "this one and firm rock, which we call the doctrine of justification, that is, that we are delivered from sin, death, and devil, not through ourselves (nor certainly through our works which are of lesser value than we ourselves), but through outside help, through the Only-begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ." l "If the article concerning justification falls, everything falls." "This is the chief article of the whole Christian doctrine, which comprehends the understanding of all godliness. It is, therefore, of prime importance that it be well understood and constantly emphasized." "As I often emphasize, the doctrine of justification must be diligently observed. In it are involved all other articles of our faith, and so long as justification is properly taught, it will be well with all other doctrines also." It is, therefore, of prime importance that it be well understood and constantly emphasized." "As I often emphasize, the doctrine of justification must be diligently observed. In it are involved all other articles of our faith, and so long as justification is properly taught, it will be well with all other doctrines also." it be well understood and constantly emphasized." "As I often emphasize, the doctrine of justification must be diligently observed. In it are involved all other articles of our faith, and so long as justification is properly taught, it will be well with all other doctrines also." I often emphasize, the doctrine of justification must be diligently observed. In it are involved all other articles of our faith, and so long as justification is properly taught, it will be well with all other doctrines also" (ibid. p.1) 
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