John
Thankyou for the quote from the Formula of Concord. That is basically my understanding of the document and the belief of Lutherans today.
However, I am more interested on whether or not the document is actually consistent with Luther's beliefs. Unfortunately, depending on who you read or talk to, you will get conflicting views on that. Talk to a Lutherans and obviously they with will say the Formula of Concord in consistent with Luther view. Reformed writers are not unanimous on this either, some saying Luther was more consistent with Calvin and some in line with the Formula of Concord.
Something I found fairly consistent, from those on both sides is the mention of Luther's successor. They either used him as proof that the Formula of Concord was consistent with Luther. Or the very opposite. That Luther's successor went against Luther.

Tom