Nov 2 - Romans 10:10

 

For one believes

with the heart and

so is justified,

and one confesses

with the mouth and

so is saved.

Romans 10:10

 

How would you summarize your theology? 

 

Martin Luther summarized his theology with a layered symbol. What became known as Luther's seal is depicted here in a stained glass window. In fact, in this window Luther's seal is surrounded here by a Reformation era rally cry. Seven "solas" (the Latin word for "alone") steered the Reformation. Along with principles like salvation being by "faith alone" and "grace alone," the Reformers cheered that our faith was grounded on the "Word alone."

 

So ... what is the layered message within Luther's Seal? Luther himself described it in a 1530 letter to a colleague, Lazarus Spengler ... 

 

·         First, there is a black cross in a heart that remains its natural color. This is to remind me that it is faith in the Crucified One that saves us. Anyone who believes from the heart will be justified (Romans 10:10). It is a black cross, which mortifies and causes pain, but it leaves the heart its natural color. It doesn’t destroy nature, that is to say, it does not kill us but keeps us alive, for the just shall live by faith in the Crucified One (Romans 1:17). 

 

·         The heart should stand in the middle of a white rose. This is to show that faith gives joy, comfort, and peace—it puts the believer into a white, joyous rose. Faith does not give peace and joy like 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 (cf. Matthew 28:3; John 20:12). 

 

·         This rose should stand in a sky-blue field, symbolizing that a joyful spirit and faith is a beginning of heavenly, future joy, which begins now, but is grasped in hope, not yet fully revealed. 

 

·         Around the field of blue is a golden ring to symbolize that blessedness in heaven lasts forever and has no end. Heavenly blessedness is exquisite, beyond all joy and better than any possessions, just as gold is the most valuable and precious metal.

 

In Christ's Love,

a guy whose symbol for

the last thirteen years is a

bold cross (the instrument of life),

surrounded by a rainbow of color

(the Genesis 6-9 promise of grace),

enlivened by a white dove

(symbolizing the movement

of God's Holy Spirit).

 

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