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: Matthew 11:2-11 (John's Question from Prison)
We read this passage as a profound moment in the redemptive-historical narrative where John the Baptist, even from prison, points us to the Messiahship of Jesus. John's question, 'Are you the one who is to come?' reflects the eschatological expectation rooted in the covenant of grace. This passage u
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 8:28-39 (Nothing Can Separate Us)
We read Romans 8:28-39 as an emphatic declaration of the security of the elect in the covenant of grace. This passage assures us that God's sovereign decree governs all things, orchestrating them for the good of those whom He has effectually called according to His purpose. It is a profound reminder
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ephesians 2:11-22
We read Ephesians 2:11-22 through the lens of God's sovereign grace, seeing it as a profound exposition of the covenant of grace that unites Jew and Gentile in Christ. This passage speaks to the elimination of the dividing wall of hostility and the creation of one new humanity in Christ, emphasizing
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son)
We read this parable of the Prodigal Son as a profound illustration of God's sovereign grace in the covenant of grace. The father's unconditional love reflects God's gracious initiative in our salvation, not based on human merit but solely on His sovereign choice. The son's return signifies repentan
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Galatians 2:15-21
In Galatians 2:15-21, we read this passage as a profound exposition of the doctrine of justification by faith alone, apart from works of the law. This text underscores the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant in Christ, where the righteousness we possess is not our own but is imputed
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
We read 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 as a profound declaration of the victory that is ours in Christ through the sovereign grace of God. This passage highlights the culmination of the redemptive history in the resurrection, where the perishable will be clothed with the imperishable, demonstrating the fulf
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Luke 8:1-3
We read this passage as an integral part of the redemptive history, highlighting the sovereign grace of God in the gathering of His people. Luke 8:1-3 reveals the unfolding of God's covenant of grace through the ministry of Jesus, who proclaims the kingdom of God. The presence of women who support J
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Genesis 4
We read Genesis 4 as a pivotal moment in redemptive history, highlighting the deepening effects of sin post-fall and the sovereign grace of God in the midst of human rebellion. The narrative of Cain and Abel illustrates the doctrine of total depravity, as sin corrupts human relationships and worship
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Titus 3:3-8
We read Titus 3:3-8 as a profound exposition of the gospel of sovereign grace within the covenant of grace. This passage highlights the stark contrast between our total depravity and the transformative power of God's mercy, which is not based on our works but on His sovereign choice. In the unfoldin
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Genesis 32
In Genesis 32, we read Jacob's wrestling with God as a profound moment within the covenantal history that underscores God's sovereign grace. This passage illustrates the transformative power of God's covenantal dealings, as Jacob is renamed Israel, indicating a new identity rooted in God's promise.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Ruth 3:1-18
We read Ruth 3:1-18 through the lens of God's sovereign providence and covenant faithfulness. Ruth's actions in approaching Boaz are not merely a cultural practice, but a significant step in God's redemptive history, orchestrating the lineage that will ultimately lead to Christ. Boaz's role as kinsm
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Luke 2:1-7
We read this passage in Luke 2:1-7 as a profound manifestation of God's sovereign orchestration of redemptive history. The decree of Caesar Augustus, though an act of human governance, fulfills God's eternal decree, bringing Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem in accordance with the prophetic Scriptures. T
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Luke 15:11-32
We read the parable of the Prodigal Son as a profound illustration of the covenant of grace, highlighting God's sovereign and compassionate initiative in restoring sinners. The father’s reception of the prodigal son is a vivid picture of God’s effectual calling and unconditional election, emphasizin
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Genesis 50
In Genesis 50, we read Joseph's reconciliation with his brothers as a profound testament to God's sovereign grace at work in redemptive history. Joseph's assertion, 'You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good' (Genesis 50:20), highlights the doctrine of divine sovereignty, where God's decr
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
We read 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 as a profound exposition of the resurrection body in the context of God’s sovereign redemptive plan. Paul contrasts the perishable, dishonorable, and weak natural body with the imperishable, glorious, and powerful spiritual body, emphasizing the transformation wrought
Genesis 14:1-24 - Reformed/Calvinist Perspective
In the Reformed tradition, Genesis 14:1-24 highlights the sovereignty of God over nations and individuals. The narrative demonstrates God's providential care for His covenant people, as seen in Abraham's victory over the kings, which underscores the theme of divine intervention in history to fulfill His promises.
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Mark 10:42-45
We read Mark 10:42-45 in the context of Christ's teaching on servant leadership, but more profoundly, as a revelation of Christ's redemptive work. Jesus contrasts worldly authority with the kingdom ethic of self-sacrificial service, embodied supremely in His own atoning death. In this passage, Chris
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Psalm 46:1-7
We read Psalm 46:1-7 as a profound affirmation of God's sovereignty and providence, emphasizing His unshakeable presence and protection amidst the chaos of this fallen world. This passage situates us within the redemptive-historical context of God's covenantal faithfulness to His people, pointing fo
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Romans 8:19-22
We read Romans 8:19-22 through the lens of God's sovereign plan of redemption, seeing creation's longing for redemption as intertwined with the hope of the covenant community. This passage speaks to the cosmic scope of God’s redemptive work in Christ, emphasizing that the groaning of creation will c
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Genesis 29:1-14
In Genesis 29:1-14, we read this passage as a profound example of God's covenant faithfulness and sovereign direction in the lives of His chosen people. Jacob's journey to the land of the eastern people is not a random event but part of God's redemptive history, fulfilling His promises to Abraham an
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Genesis 50:1-14
We read Genesis 50:1-14 through the lens of God's covenant faithfulness and sovereign providence. Joseph's actions towards his deceased father Jacob are not mere expressions of filial piety but are deeply rooted in the covenant promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This passage highlights God'
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Genesis 27:1-40
We read Genesis 27:1-40 through the lens of covenant theology, understanding the unfolding drama of Jacob and Esau as part of God's sovereign plan to fulfill the covenant promise given to Abraham. The passage highlights God's sovereign election, as Jacob, despite his deceit, is chosen over Esau, dem
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Acts 2:42-47
We read Acts 2:42-47 as a vivid picture of the early church living out the reality of the New Covenant in Christ. This passage shows the transformative power of sovereign grace, as the Holy Spirit gathers and sanctifies a people devoted to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, a
Reformed (Presbyterian) Lens Commentary: Acts 1:6-11
In Acts 1:6-11, we read this passage as a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive history, culminating in Christ's ascension. Here, we see the disciples' inquiry about the restoration of the kingdom to Israel, which is reframed by Jesus to emphasize the coming of the Holy Spirit and the