Symbols and mottos of the Lutheran church?

Answer 1

The cross, crucifix or cristus are the central symbols of Lutheran worship as they point to Christ, his sacrifice and triumph. For this reason, one of these symbols is usually found in the central focus of the sanctuary, over the altar. Unique symbols to Lutheranism would be Luther's rose which is used as a teaching tool as to the blessings of God. A common reformation motto is "Sola fide, sola gratia, solus cristus," meaning, "through faith alone, by grace alone, through Christ alone." This stresses that salvation is a gift from God and cannot be attained by the works and merits of man. Another is "Sola Scriptura," which stresses the approach that it is "by Scripture alone" that the gospel message is revealed, as it is the only static record of the works and words of Jesus. For this reason, it is seen as sufficient itself as a final authority when questions of faith life arise.

Answer 2

The most widely-recognized symbol of Lutheranism is the Luther Rose, designed by Luther as a seal in 1530. Luther's description and interpretation of the seal, as he wrote in a letter in July of 1530, was as follows:

"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" (Romans 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" (Romans 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 theologiae [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"

See the "Sources and related links," below, for a link to what the seal actually looks like.