Catholic Illustrations
Sacramental life, apostolic tradition, Magisterium.
Key question: “How does this connect to sacramental grace and Church teaching?”
14907 illustrations found
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 19:1-6
We read Psalm 19:1-6 as a profound declaration of God's glory as revealed in creation, which reflects His sovereign handiwork. This passage fits into the redemptive-historical framework by showing how creation itself anticipates the coming of Christ, the ultimate revelation of God's glory. The heave
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Colossians 1:15-20
We read this passage as a profound declaration of Christ's preeminence in all things, emphasizing His role as the image of the invisible God and the agent of creation. Verses 15-20 serve as a hymn of Christ's sovereignty and His central place in God's redemptive plan. Within our covenantal framework
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 1:1-5
We read John 1:1-5 as a foundational text that reveals the preexistent and divine Word, who is Christ Jesus, the agent of creation and the light of men. In this passage, the eternal Son is presented as both distinct from and fully one with God, emphasizing the mystery of the Trinity. This text under
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 7:10-13
In John 7:10-13, we read this passage as a demonstration of God's sovereign plan unfolding through Christ's earthly ministry. Despite the opposition and fear among the people, Jesus acts according to the divine timetable, not man's. This text highlights the tension between the unbelief of the world
Genesis 45:1-15 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 45:1-15 highlights God's sovereignty in orchestrating events for His purposes, particularly in the life of Joseph. This passage illustrates covenant theology as it demonstrates God's faithfulness to His promises, using even the actions of sinful individuals to fulfill His divine plan for redemption and reconciliation.
Genesis 46:28-34 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 46:28-34 highlights God's sovereignty in orchestrating the events of Jacob's family reunion in Egypt, affirming the covenantal promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This passage illustrates how God guides His chosen people, fulfilling His promises even amid adversity, demonstrating His providential care and the unfolding of redemptive history.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 John 4:17-21
We read 1 John 4:17-21 as a profound exposition of the assurance believers possess in the covenant of grace. The passage affirms that our love is perfected in God’s sovereign love, which is manifested through Christ’s atoning work on our behalf. Here, love is not a human achievement but a fruit of G
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Philippians 4:6-7 (Do Not Be Anxious)
We read Philippians 4:6-7 as a profound testament to God's sovereignty and the assurance that comes from being in covenant with Him through Christ. This passage reminds us that our anxieties are to be surrendered to God in prayer because He is sovereign over all things, and His peace, which transcen
Genesis 33:1-11 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 33:1-11 illustrates God's sovereignty in reconciling fractured relationships, emphasizing His initiative in restoring Jacob and Esau's relationship. This passage highlights the covenantal aspect of God's promise, showcasing His faithfulness despite human failings and conflicts.
Genesis 41:9-36 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 41:9-36 reveals the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for His divine purposes. Joseph's rise to power through God's providence underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, guiding history towards His covenantal promises.
Genesis 28:1-9 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 28:1-9 highlights God's sovereign choice in establishing His covenant with Jacob, illustrating that God's promises are not based on human merit but are rooted in His grace. This passage underscores the continuity of God's covenantal relationship from Abraham to Isaac and now to Jacob, emphasizing that God's sovereign plan unfolds through generations.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Galatians 3:19-29
We read Galatians 3:19-29 through the lens of God's covenant dealings, emphasizing that the law was a temporary guardian until Christ, the promised seed, fulfilled God's redemptive plan. The law was never intended to save, but to reveal sin and lead us to Christ, who is the culmination of the covena
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Proverbs 31:8-9 (Speak Up for the Voiceless)
We read Proverbs 31:8-9 as a call for God's covenant people to reflect His justice and mercy by speaking up for those who cannot defend themselves. Within the redemptive-historical framework, this passage anticipates the justice fulfilled in Christ, who is the ultimate defender of the oppressed. It
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ephesians 6:10-18
We read Ephesians 6:10-18 through the lens of covenant theology, understanding this passage as an exhortation to stand firm in the strength of the Lord because of our union with Christ. The imagery of the armor of God is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God himself is depicted as a warrior.
Genesis 31:22-55 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 31:22-55 reveals the sovereignty of God in orchestrating events for His purposes. Jacob's flight from Laban and the ensuing confrontation illustrates God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that He guides His people amidst conflict and uncertainty, fulfilling His promises despite human scheming.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Genesis 49:1-27
We read Genesis 49:1-27 as a pivotal moment in redemptive history where Jacob, under the guidance of divine revelation, pronounces blessings and prophecies over his sons, which are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. This passage is a covenantal testament, reflecting God's sovereign choice and provident
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ruth 1:1-5
We read Ruth 1:1-5 as highlighting the sovereignty of God in the midst of human suffering and the unfolding of His covenantal purposes. The passage introduces the dire circumstances of Naomi's family, setting the stage for God's redemptive plan through Ruth. Despite the apparent absence of divine in
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:43-48
We read Matthew 5:43-48 as a profound call to love within the covenant community and beyond, reflecting the character of our sovereign God. This passage reveals the radical nature of the kingdom inaugurated by Christ, where love extends even to enemies, mirroring God's indiscriminate grace. In the r
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: John 3:16-21
In the Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens, we read John 3:16-21 as a profound declaration of God's sovereign grace and the fulfillment of the covenant of grace in Christ. This passage reveals the love of God manifest in the sending of His Son, highlighting God's initiative in salvation — 'God so loved the
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Jeremiah 29:10-14
We read Jeremiah 29:10-14 as an assurance of God's sovereign faithfulness to His covenant people. This passage is situated within the Babylonian exile, reminding us that God's purposes unfold in redemptive history, culminating in Christ. Here, God's promise to restore Israel after 70 years foreshado
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 8:28-30
We read Romans 8:28-30 as a profound declaration of God's sovereign grace in the salvation of His elect. This passage highlights the golden chain of redemption, where God foreknows, predestines, calls, justifies, and glorifies His people. It affirms the doctrine of unconditional election, underscori
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust in the Lord)
We read Proverbs 3:5-6 as a call to unwavering trust in the Lord, who is sovereign over all aspects of life. This trust is not based on our understanding but is rooted in God's covenant faithfulness and His redemptive purposes, culminating in Christ. We see this passage as an exhortation to live und
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ruth 4:1-12
We read Ruth 4:1-12 as a profound testimony to God's sovereign grace working through the covenant community, culminating in the genealogy that leads to David and ultimately to Christ. Boaz acts as a kinsman-redeemer, embodying the redemptive work that anticipates Christ's ultimate redemption of His
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 John 2:28-3:3
We read 1 John 2:28-3:3 through the lens of God's covenant faithfulness, seeing the text as an assurance of our adoption as children of God through the covenant of grace. This passage emphasizes our identity in Christ, in whom we are called to abide, as a reflection of our effectual calling and pers