August 22, 2010

In the last article, we started to look at the seal of the Moravian Church which goes back to the sixteenth century or possibly earlier. In the center is the Lamb of God, a favorite symbol of the early Christian church. A lamb is holding a staff, and from the staff waves a banner of victory. On the banner a cross is clearly displayed.

The uniqueness of the lamb symbol for Moravians is the inscription attached, often in a circular band: Vicit agnus noster, eum sequamur, "Our Lamb has conquered, let us follow him." It is found on church publications, stained glass windows of churches, in a prominent place in every Sanctuary and other places. Jesus is the Lamb of God. To become a Christian one needs to accept Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. What therefore are the basic truths of the Moravian Church?

Moravians believe in eight basic truths:

• The universal depravity (sinful nature) of human nature. Moravians do not dwell on this morbidly but believe that history all too clearly gives repeated evidence of this truth.
• God's love shown in his choosing us to be His.
• The real godhead and real humanity of Jesus.
• Reconciliation with God. People are not by nature righteous, but must be put right through the sacrificial love (cross) of Christ.
• The doctrine of the Holy Spirit. God within us points out our sin; leads us to Christ; by grace shows us truth; guides us to faith; and gives us assurance that we are his children.
• Good works. These are the fruits of the Spirit. They identify the Christian as a person who by faith is given power to follow God's commands gratefully, willingly, and lovingly.
• The fellowship of believers. They are all one in Jesus Christ, the Head of his Body. Through his all are members one of another.
• The second coming of the Lord in glory. The dead will be raised with a new body, and unbelievers will be judged.