October 31, 2017, will mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. To commemorate this landmark in Christian history, Concordia Publishing House is releasing four special versions of The Lutheran Study Bible. These numbered, limited editions are sure to become a sought-after piece of Reformation history.
The Reformation anniversary editions of The Lutheran Study Bible feature gilded edges and unique, smooth leather covers of Reformation-centered artwork. The covers can be personalized with a name, Scripture verse, or other significant information.
The Four Covers:
The Lamb of God symbol, showing the Lamb shedding its blood into a sacramental cup, was a common symbol in the Middle Ages and began appearing on printings
of Luther’s writings. The image is drawn from John 1:29, recording John the Baptist’s words when he saw Jesus coming toward him. He shouted out, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Christ is the final sacrifice for the sins of the world, and He shed His blood as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. In the Lord’s Supper, we receive the blood of Christ under the wine of Holy Communion.
Martin Luther, Evangelist and Doctor of Scripture
The woodcut image reflects how Luther was portrayed until the mid-1520s as a “Doctor of Bible,” the position to which he was called in the Church. He is seen as an Augustinian friar in his monastic garments, which he wore daily until around 1525. The words around the image say, “Martin Luther, Evangelist and Doctor of Scripture.” This image was printed on the cover page of various editions of Luther’s writings.
This version of the Luther rose, perhaps the most recognizable graphic symbol from the Lutheran Reformation, was first presented to Luther on a signet ring, around 1530, according to his personal design instructions, as a gift to him from the Lutheran prince, John Frederick the Magnanimous. Thereafter, it was printed on decorative title pages in printings of Luther’s Works.
The Word of the Lord Endures Forever
The motto of the Reformation, adopted by the members of the League of Smalcald, is seen in various forms. This particular form was found in many places, including on the clothing worn by every member of various Lutheran nobility and staff members (from the prince down to the groom in the stable), on armor worn by horses, and on swords and canons of the Smalcaldic League. The letters stand for the phrase Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum, which means “The Word of the Lord Endures Forever.” It is based on Isaiah 40:8 and 1 Peter 1:25. This logo was used widely by Protestant Christians, particularly Lutherans, throughout Lutheran territories and remains in use today as the official motto of Concordia Publishing House.
The Lutheran Study Bible is the first Bible in English to be developed from the ground up with notes that are distinctively Lutheran, prepared by Lutheran theologians and pastors from more than twenty Lutheran church bodies. Current Lutheran scholarship, insights from the Church Fathers, and rich devotional commentary provide meaningful perspective for both young and mature Christians.
Features of The Lutheran Study Bible:
- 26,500-plus uniquely Lutheran study notes
- Over 2,000 application notes and prayers for every part of the Bible
- 80,000 center-column cross-references
- Over 900 cross-references to 120 full or half-page maps, charts, and diagrams
- 220-plus articles and introductions to biblical books and topics
- 31,000 concordance entries
- Insights from Early Church, medieval, and Reformation-era Church Fathers
- Uses the English Standard Version translation, one of the most precise English translations available
- Durable Smyth-sewn binding
- Words of Christ in red
To purchase a Reformation anniversary edition of The Lutheran Study Bible, visit cph.org. For more information, contact Lindsey Martie, CPH Public Relations, by phone at (314) 268-1303 or by email at lindsey.martie@cph.org.
