The Lutheran Heritage
Foundation logo is derived from the seal, designed by Dr. Martin
Luther. In
his own words, Dr. Martin Luther explains the seal:
The first thing expressed in my seal
is a cross, black within the heart, to put me in mind that faith
in Christ crucified saves
us. "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness."
Now
although the cross is black, mortified and intended
to cause pain, yet it does not change the color 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 Savior.
But this heart is fixed upon the center
of a white rose, to show that faith is white, not red, is
the ideal color of all angels and blessed spirits. This
rose, moreover, is fixed in a sky-colored background, to denote
that such joy of faith in the
spirit is but an earnest and beginning of heavenly
joy to come, as anticipated and held by
hope, though not yet revealed.
And around the ground base 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 precious metal. Christ, our
dear Lord, He will give grace unto eternal life.
Amen.

|