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The Luther
Rose
The Luther Rose, also known
as the Luther Seal, is easily the most recognized symbol for Lutheranism,
and for good reason. Martin Luther personally oversaw the creation of this
symbol. It provides a beautiful summary of his faith, a faith that is
common to all Christians, of every place and every time. Here is how
Luther explained the meaning of his seal:
"Grace and peace
from the Lord. As you desire to know whether my painted seal, which you
sent to me, has hit the mark, I shall answer most amiably and tell you my
original thoughts and reason about why my seal is a symbol of my theology.
The first should be a black cross in a heart, which retains its natural
color, so that I myself would be reminded that faith in the Crucified
saves us. For one who believes from the heart will be justified" (Rom.
10:10). Although it is indeed a black cross, which mortifies and which
should also cause pain, it leaves the heart in its natural color. It does
not corrupt nature, that is, it does not kill but keeps alive. "The just
shall live by faith" (Rom. 1:17) but by faith in the
crucified.
Such a heart should stand in the middle of a white
rose, to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace. In other words, it
places the believer into a white, joyous rose, for this faith does not
give peace and joy like the world gives (John 14:27). That is why the rose
should be white and not red, for white is the color of the spirits and the
angels (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12).
Such a rose should stand in a sky-blue field,
symbolizing that such joy in spirit and faith is a beginning of the
heavenly future joy, which begins already, but is grasped in hope, not yet
revealed. And around this field is a golden ring, symbolizing that such
blessedness in Heaven lasts forever and has no end. Such blessedness is
exquisite, beyond all joy and goods, just as gold is the most valuable,
most precious and best metal. This is my compendium theoligae
[summary of theology]. I have wanted to show it to you in good friendship,
hoping for your appreciation. May Christ, our beloved Lord, be with your
spirit until the life hereafter. Amen."
Martin
Luther, Letter to Lazarus
Spengler, July 8, 1530, as included in the
translation by Amy Marga from "Luthers Siegel: Eine elementare Deutung
seiner Theologie," in Luther 67 (1996):66??. Translation printed in Lutheran Quarterly, Vol. XIV, Num. 4, Winter 2000, pg. 409-410. The text
used for this translation is from Johannes Schilling, Briefe, Auswah, Ubersetzung und
Erlauterungen in Vol. 6 of Ausgewaehlte Schriften/MartinLuther. The text of Luther's letter is also found in the Weimar
edition of Luther's Works, Briefe Vol. 5:444f and in English translation
in Luther's Works: American
Edition, Vol.
49:356-359).
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