The LCMS acknowledges that John 7:53-8:11 does not appear in the oldest Greek manuscripts and was likely added to the Gospel of John later. However, the LCMS receives the passage as part of the biblical canon and includes it in its Bibles with appropriate textual notation. LCMS doctrine affirms that the passage represents authentic Christian teaching on Jesus's mercy, forgiveness, and the call to transformation.

LCMS biblical practice treats John 7:53-8:11 as canonical Scripture for the church's use, even while acknowledging textual-critical questions. The passage's content — the gracious treatment of the sinful woman and the word of forgiveness — is congruent with Lutheran doctrine of grace and repentance.