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." | 
The official seal of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is a unique blend of symbols and words. In the center is a blue shield, representing the Christian's faith; a prominent gold cross proclaiming that we preach Jesus Christ crucified and risen from the dead; Latin words under the cross reading "Jesus Christ is Lord"; three equilateral gold crosses symbolizing the Holy Trinity; three gold stars on the shield standing for the three Christian creeds: the Apostolic, the Nicene and the Athanasian. Beneath the shield is Luther's seal (see description). Three gold stars on each side of the shield stand for the six Lutheran Confessions that were published in one book, titled "Concordia," in 1580. Grape vines fill the bottom white spaces, symbolizing Christ's words in John 15:5. Around the inner circle are the words on which Lutheranism is founded: Sola Scriptura, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide (by Scripture alone, by grace alone, by faith alone). The exterior circle contains the proper name of the church and the year it was founded--1847. The seal was designed by Rev. A.R. Kretzmann of Chicago; the drawing is by Walter Geweke, also of Chicago. | 
The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Logo---The LCMS logo is three crosses in one. It declares that “we worship one God in Trinity and Trinity in Unity.” The open arms point upward toward God in prayer and openly receive God’s grace. The lower arms point down, as if open to embrace the world with God’s love. The 12 individual parts of the logo cross remind us of the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles. The four arms appear to be in motion, as we urgently tell the world what God’s love in Jesus Christ means to us and, uniquely, as Missouri Synod Lutherans. |
