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: Psalm 23:1-6 (The Lord is My Shepherd)
We read Psalm 23 through the Lutheran Lens as an exquisite proclamation of the Gospel. The Lord as our Shepherd is Christ himself, who leads us through the valley of the shadow of death, pointing us to the theology of the cross. This Psalm is Gospel in its purest form, delivering the promise of God'
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
We read 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 through the Lutheran Lens as a manifestation of the Gospel's call to live out our baptismal identity in love and service. Here, Paul is not imposing a new Law but is highlighting the fruit of faith — the joyful sharing of resources among the body of Christ. This passage
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 50:1-14
We read Genesis 50:1-14 through the Lutheran Lens by focusing on the tension between Law and Gospel. This passage, detailing Joseph's mourning and burial of his father Jacob, is a powerful reminder of the Law's work in confronting us with death, the ultimate consequence of sin. Yet, we also see the
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 10:9-10 (Confess and Believe)
We read this passage as a profound statement of the Gospel, declaring that faith and confession are not works of the Law but gifts of God's grace. Romans 10:9-10 speaks to the heart of justification by faith alone, emphasizing that belief in the heart and confession with the mouth are the Spirit's w
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
We read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 through the lens of the theology of the cross. Here, Paul boasts of his weaknesses, and we see a clear picture of how God's power is perfected in human frailty. This passage is a profound proclamation of the Gospel — that our strength and righteousness are found not in
The Example of Forgiveness - Story
A story related to this content The story of Rebecca illustrates how forgiveness transforms lives through grace.
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: 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: 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: 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: Ruth 3:1-18
In the Lutheran Lens, we read Ruth 3:1-18 through the dual lenses of Law and Gospel. The Law is apparent in Naomi's plan, which reveals human scheming and reliance on our own understanding, highlighting our inability to secure our future apart from God's grace. However, the Gospel shines through Boa
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Luke 2:1-7
We read this passage as a profound proclamation of the Gospel through the humbleness of Christ's incarnation. Here, the birth of Jesus in a manger reveals the theology of the cross, where God chooses the lowly and despised to bring about His salvation, standing in contrast to a theology of glory. Th
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
We read this passage as a profound illustration of the body of Christ, emphasizing both unity and diversity within the Church. Through the Lutheran lens, this text highlights the Law in exposing our tendency toward division and self-sufficiency, while the Gospel reveals the grace of God in creating
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 11:27-12:8
We read this passage through the lens of Law and Gospel, seeing God's call to Abram as a profound act of grace that foreshadows the Gospel. The command to 'go' (Genesis 12:1) exposes the Law, highlighting human insecurity and inability to initiate such a journey of faith. Yet, it is God's promise to
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 23:1-20 - Anabaptist Perspective
In Genesis 23:1-20, the Anabaptist tradition emphasizes the themes of community and peace, particularly how Abraham's purchase of the burial site for Sarah demonstrates respect for the land and the people among whom he lived. This act of securing a permanent place highlights the importance of belonging and stewardship within the community of faith, as well as the call to live in integrity and justice in all transactions.
Genesis 17:1-27 - Anabaptist Perspective
In Genesis 17:1-27, the Anabaptist tradition emphasizes God's covenantal promise as a call to a communal life of faith and obedience. This passage highlights the significance of identity transformation through covenant, underscoring the importance of community in nurturing discipleship and peace as expressions of God's faithfulness.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Revelation 21:1-8
We read Revelation 21:1-8 as a profound proclamation of Gospel, revealing the final consummation of God's promises in Christ. Here, the New Heaven and New Earth testify to the eschatological hope secured by Christ's victory over sin and death. The passage assures us of the new creation where God dwe
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
We read 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 as a powerful proclamation of the Gospel that delivers the victory of Christ over sin and death. This passage highlights the promise of the resurrection, where the perishable will be clothed with the imperishable. We see the assurance of our future transformation as pu
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Genesis 4
We read Genesis 4 through the lens of Law and Gospel, understanding it as a vivid account that exposes the pervasive reality of sin (Law) and the enduring promise of God's grace (Gospel). The story of Cain and Abel reveals the depth of original sin, as Cain's jealousy leads to murder, illustrating t
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Luke 15:11-32 (The Prodigal Son)
We read this passage as a profound illustration of the Law and Gospel distinction. The recklessness of the younger son exposes the Law's work, revealing the depth of human sin and the bondage of the will — the old Adam rebelling against the Father. Yet, the father's unconditional embrace of his repe
Genesis 1:6-8 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 1:6-8 reflects God’s intentional creation order and the establishment of boundaries, which serve to create a harmonious community. The separation of the waters emphasizes God's sovereignty and His desire for peace within creation, inviting believers to live in a manner that fosters communal relationships and reflects God's peaceable kingdom.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Luke 8:1-3
We read this passage as a demonstration of the Gospel at work through the means of grace, particularly through the ministry of Jesus. Luke 8:1-3 shows us how Christ proclaims the good news of the Kingdom of God, which is central to our understanding of the Gospel as God's unconditional promise in Ch
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