The most important Lutheran doctrine is that we are justified by our faith.  The doctrine stands on three principles:  

• Word Alone - only the Bible is the source of Truth about our relationship with God

• Faith Alone - only faith in God can open our hearts to His transforming power

• Grace Alone - God's Grace, not anything we think or do,  provides our forgiveness and salvation

 

From Luther's Smalcald Articles (1537):

1] That Jesus Christ, our God and Lord, died for our sins, and was raised again for our justification (Romans 4: 25).

2] And He alone is the Lamb of God which takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29) and God has laid upon Him the iniquities of us all (Isaiah 53:  6).

3] Likewise: All have sinned and are justified freely, and without their own works or merits by His grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, in His blood (Romans 3: 23)

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 (Romans 3:28) For we conclude that a man is justified by faith, without the deeds of the Law. Likewise (Romans 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 no other name under heaven, given among men whereby we must be saved, says Peter (Acts 4:12). And with His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:5). And upon this article all things depend which we teach and practice in opposition to the Pope, the devil, and the 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.

COMPLETE TEXT OF BIBLE REFERENCES

Romans 4:25

He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.

 

John 1: 29

The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

 

Isaiah 53: 5-6

5 But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
         He was crushed for our iniquities;
         The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
         And by His scourging we are healed.

6 All of us like sheep have gone astray,
         Each of us has turned to his own way;
         But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all
         To fall on Him.

Romans 3: 23-28

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;

25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the  forbearance of God He  passed over the sins previously committed;

26 for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded by what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.

28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

 

Acts 4:12

And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.

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