Lutheran Illustrations
Law and Gospel, justification by faith, sacramental theology.
Key question: “How does this distinguish Law from Gospel?”
14930 illustrations found
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Ephesians 4:25-32
We read Ephesians 4:25-32 through the lens of Law and Gospel, understanding it as a text that both exposes our sin and guides the baptized life. The Law is evident in the commands to put away falsehood, anger, and corrupting talk, revealing our inability to perfectly fulfill God's demands. Yet, the
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 46:1-7
We read Psalm 46:1-7 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing that God's presence as our refuge and strength is pure Gospel for those weighed down by the Law. This text assures us that despite the chaos and turmoil of the world, God is with us — an ever-present help in trouble. We see this as
Genesis 19:30-38 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, this passage serves as a reminder of the complexities of human sin and the consequences of isolation from community. Lot's daughters, acting out of desperation, illustrate the dangers of self-reliance and the absence of a faithful community to guide moral decisions, emphasizing the need for accountability and shared discipleship in navigating life’s challenges.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 16:1-2
In Romans 16:1-2, we read this passage as highlighting the role of Phoebe within the early Church, recognizing her as a deacon and a benefactor. Through the Lutheran Lens, we see this as a demonstration of vocation, where God calls individuals to serve in various capacities within the Church. We als
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 Peter 5:6-11
We read 1 Peter 5:6-11 through the Lutheran Lens as a passage that holds the tension of Law and Gospel. The Law is evident as it exposes our inability to humble ourselves perfectly or resist the devil by our own strength. However, the Gospel promise shines brightly in verses 10-11, where God promise
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Philippians 2:5-8
We read Philippians 2:5-8 as a profound articulation of Christ's humiliation and the self-emptying nature of the Incarnation. This passage is a clear demonstration of the theology of the cross, where Christ's true glory is revealed not in power or majesty, but in His obedience to death on a cross. I
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 5:1-32
We read Genesis 5:1-32 as a testament to the pervasive reality of sin and death (Law) juxtaposed with the promise of life (Gospel) through God's covenantal faithfulness. This genealogy exposes the Law's harsh truth: all are subject to mortality due to sin, highlighting our need for salvation. Yet, w
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Revelation 11:15-19
In Revelation 11:15-19, we read this passage as a profound revelation of both Law and Gospel. The sounding of the seventh trumpet signifies the consummation of God's kingdom, a moment of both judgment and grace. The Law is evident in the declaration of God's wrath against sin, exposing humanity's re
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Micah 6:6-8
We read Micah 6:6-8 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the Law's demand in verses 6-7, as it exposes Israel's misplaced reliance on ritual sacrifices. These verses highlight our inability to earn God's favor through works. Verse 8, while often seen as a summarizing command, is Law that
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Luke 9:18-27
We read this passage as a powerful intersection of Law and Gospel. Jesus' question, 'Who do you say that I am?' (v. 20), demands a confession that reveals both our inability to fully comprehend His nature (Law) and His gracious revelation of Himself as the Christ (Gospel). Peter's confession is not
Genesis 25:1-11 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 25:1-11 reveals God's covenantal faithfulness through the lineage of Abraham and the importance of community in God's redemptive plan. This passage highlights the interconnectedness of God's people, emphasizing how God's blessings are intended to be shared and lived out in community rather than as individualistic pursuits.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 Timothy 6:3-10
We read this passage through the distinct lens of Law and Gospel. Verses 3-5 expose the Law, highlighting the destructive nature of false teaching and the human propensity toward pride and envy. This is the work of the old Adam, who is always seeking to justify himself apart from God's Word. In cont
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 50
In Genesis 50, we read Joseph's forgiveness of his brothers as a profound example of the Gospel breaking into a narrative of sin and betrayal. The Law is evident in the brothers' guilt and fear of retribution, but the Gospel shines through Joseph's assurance of God's providential care and his refusa
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Hebrews 12:1-2 (Run the Race)
We read Hebrews 12:1-2 through the Lutheran Lens as a profound illustration of the tension between Law and Gospel. The call to 'run with endurance the race set before us' reflects the Law, exposing our inability to achieve righteousness through our own efforts. Yet, the focus is quickly turned to th
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 49:1-27
We read Genesis 49:1-27 through the lens of Law and Gospel, seeing Jacob's blessings and curses upon his sons as both a revelation of human sinfulness and a shadow of God's redemptive promise. The passage lays bare the Law's demands as it reveals the character and future of each tribe, highlighting
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 25:31-46
We read this passage as a vivid depiction of the final judgment where the distinction between Law and Gospel is profoundly clear. The Law is apparent in the separation of the sheep and goats — it exposes our inability to live perfectly as Christ commands. Yet the Gospel emerges as we see Christ as t
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Exodus 6:1-13
We read Exodus 6:1-13 through the Lutheran Lens as a powerful demonstration of the Law and Gospel distinction. The Law is revealed in the Israelites' bondage and their inability to free themselves, mirroring our own bondage to sin. The Gospel shines brightly in God's promise to deliver His people, p
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Exodus 1:15-22
We read Exodus 1:15-22 through the lens of the Law and Gospel distinction. The passage reveals the Law in the form of Pharaoh's oppressive command, exposing the sinfulness and brokenness of human power. Yet, even amidst such darkness, we see a glimmer of the Gospel in the faithfulness and courage of
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 4:1-11
We read Matthew 4:1-11 through the lens of Law and Gospel, viewing Jesus' temptation as both the Law exposing the reality of human sin and weakness, and the Gospel revealing Christ's victory over these very temptations on our behalf. This passage is not merely an example of moral fortitude but a rev
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Exodus 9:13-35
We read Exodus 9:13-35 through the Lutheran Lens as a vivid example of the Law's work in exposing the hardness of the human heart and the futility of rebellion against God. The plagues, particularly the seventh plague of hail, serve as a manifestation of God's righteous judgment, underscoring humani
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Exodus 38:1-7
We read Exodus 38:1-7 through the lens of Law and Gospel, understanding the construction of the altar as an essential component of the sacrificial system that points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice. The Law here is visible in the demands for precise obedience in worship, reflecting our inability to f
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Exodus 40:1-15
We read Exodus 40:1-15 as a significant passage that highlights the Law's demands in the meticulous instructions for consecrating the tabernacle and its priests. This text exposes our inability to meet God's holiness on our own, pointing us to the necessity of Christ as our true High Priest who fulf
Genesis 38:1-30 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 38 serves as a reminder of God's grace and providence in the midst of human brokenness and sin. The passage highlights the importance of community and accountability, emphasizing how relationships can be both a source of pain and redemption. This narrative invites us to reflect on how God's redemptive work continues through flawed individuals and communities, calling us to live out our faith in ways that promote healing and restoration.
A Story of Peace - Contemporary Example
A contemporary example of this content The example of Peter shows that peace is not about perfection but about love.