VDMA stands for the Latin phrase: Verbum Domini Manet in Aeternum or in English: The Word of the Lord Endures Forever. This battle cry of the Reformation comes through in various hymns such as in A Mighty Fortress: “The Word they still shall let remain.” It reminds us that the Scriptures are the only sure guide for faith and life.
The motto is based on 1 Peter 1:24-25. It first appears in the court of Frederick the Wise in 1522. It was used by Frederick's successors, his brother John the Steadfast, and his nephew John Frederick the Magnanimous. It 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, familiies, and lives against those who were intent on destroying them.
Thanks to Norm Fisher for this definition.
http://lutheranwiktionary.org/tiki-index.php?page=VDMA
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