Martin Luther's Seal or the Luther Rose

Celebrating the 500th Anniversary
of the Protestant Reformation
 
On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther, A Roman Catholic priest and professor of theology, took a step that, ultimately, was to impact all of Christendom and change the course of world history. On that day, after years of often agonizing study, prayer, and reflection, Luther posted “The Ninety-Five Theses” on the door of Wittenberg’s All Saints (“Castle”) Church. These were a series of propositions and questions on, what Luther considered, the flawed teachings and abusive practices of the Roman Church. The intended spark for discussion and debate ignited a widespread and fervent call for change and reform in the Church. What became known as the Protestant Reformation is linked back to Luther’s actions on that October day in 1517.
In 2017, St. Jacob’s and Trinity and churches around the world celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. For this anniversary year, we will use the above logo*. It embraces the Luther Rose, designed for Martin Luther and widely recognized as the symbol for Lutheranism. Surrounding the Luther Rose are the following sets of words: “Word Alone”, “Faith Alone”, and “Grace Alone.” These six words are at the core of Luther’s teachings and of those of the other Protestant reformers.
Come, be a part of this anniversary of understanding, celebrating, and sharing. All are invited...all are welcome!
*Thanks to Tom Evans, a member of Resurrection Lutheran, Fredericksburg, for his logo design and explanation.

Martin Luther's Seal or the Luther Rose

As it became more and more plain to Dr. Martin Luther that the cross of Christ and the pride of the world were at odds with each other, he chose for his family a new crest, which has become the "family crest" of Lutherans worldwide. The best person to explain the meaning of the now famous "Luther Seal" is Dr. Martin Luther, himself..


First, there should be a black cross set in a heart, which should keep its natural colour. This will remind me that faith in the Crucified saves us. Because: "If you believe in your heart, you will be justified." Even though it is a black cross, which kills us and causes pain, yet it allows the heart to remain its natural colour; it does not destroy the heart's nature, that is, it does not kill the heart, but keeps it alive. Because "The just will live by faith" - but faith in the Crucified.
 


Now, although the cross is black, mortified, and intended to cause pain, yet it does not tend to change the colour of the heart, does not destroy nature, i.e., does not kill, but keeps alive. "For the just shall live by faith,'' - by faith in the saviour.
 


 
But this heart is fixed upon the center of a white rose, to show that faith causes joy, consolation and peace. The rose is white, not red, because white is the ideal colour of all angels and blessed spirits.
 


 
The rose, moreover, is fixed on a sky-coloured ground, to denote that such joy of faith in the spirit is but an earnest yearning and beginning of heavenly joy to come, as anticipated and held by hope, though not yet revealed.
 


 
And around this groundbase is a golden ring, to signify that such bliss in heaven is endless, and more precious than all joys and treasures, since gold is the best and most treasured metal. Christ, our dear Lord, He will give us grace unto eternal life.
 


 
Put them all together,
the complete seal.
 

Artistic work by Peter McLeod - with a little help from Pastor Milette

Updated May 13, 2008