29 October 2024
“Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum” (The Word of the Lord Endures Forever)
is the motto of the Lutheran Reformation, a confident expression of the
enduring power and authority of God’s Word. The motto is based on 1 Peter
1:24–25. It first appeared in the court of Frederick the Wise in 1522. He had
it sewn onto the right sleeve of the court’s official clothing, which was worn
by prince and servant alike. It was used by Frederick’s successors, his brother
John the Steadfast, and his nephew John Frederick the Magnanimous. It became
the official motto of the Smalcaldic League and was used on flags, banners,
swords, and uniforms as a symbol of the unity of the Lutheran laity who
struggled to defend their beliefs, communities, families, and lives against
those who were intent on destroying them. It was found inscribed inside
churches, over doorways, on foundation stones, even on horse’s helmets! The
VDMA logo and statement has appeared throughout Lutheran churches worldwide and
remains an enduring motto of the Reformation to this day.
Concordia: The Lutheran Confessions
No comments:
Post a Comment