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Luther's directions to the artist stated there should be a black cross in a heart, the heart to retain its natural color. This is to remind us that it is faith in the Crucified One that saves us. "For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved" (Romans 10:10). It is a black cross because it mortifies and causes pain. Yet, it leaves the heart its natural color. It does not destroy nature. That is to say, it does not kill us, but keeps us alive, for "the righteous shall live by faith" (Romans 1:17). The heart is to stand in the middle of a white rose, illustrating that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace, though not the kind of peace and joy the world gives (John 14:27). This is why the rose must be white, not red. White is the color of the spirits and angels (Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). The rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that a joyful spirit and faith is the beginning of a heavenly and future joy that begins now. It is not yet fully revealed, but is, nonetheless, grasped with hope. Around the field of blue is a golden ring, symbolizing how blessedness in heaven has no end, but lasts forever. Luther said that heavenly blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy, and better than any possessions, as gold is the most valuable and precious metal.
The earliest instance of the seal also bore Luther's initials.
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Rev. Mark E. Ryman serves as Interim Pastor for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. Previously, Pastor Ryman has pastored other congregations in North Carolina and Ohio, as well as served on the staff of the North American Lutheran Church, and on the Board of Regents for the North American Lutheran Seminary. He currently serves a call to specialized ministry with Sola Publishing.
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