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
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: 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: 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: Genesis 27:1-40
We read Genesis 27:1-40 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the Law's exposure of human sinfulness in Jacob and Rebekah's deceit and Esau's bitterness. This passage starkly presents the brokenness of human relationships and the futility of striving for blessings through human cunning. Ye
Living Out Perseverance - Illustration
Consider the life of a gardener, tending to a small plot of land. Each morning, they rise early, armed with a spade and a heart full of hope. The soil is often hard and unyielding, the seeds seem so small,...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 2 Corinthians 5:16-21
We read 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 through the lens of Law and Gospel, seeing the Law expose our inability to perceive Christ rightly 'according to the flesh' and the Gospel proclaiming the new creation in Christ. The passage declares that in Christ, God is reconciling the world to Himself, not counting
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
Genesis 25:12-18 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 25:12-18 highlights God's sovereignty and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the descendants of Abraham. This passage teaches us about the importance of community and identity, as these descendants form distinct communities that reflect God's covenantal promise, reminding us of our call to live in peace and genuine discipleship.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Acts 1:6-11
In Acts 1:6-11, we read this passage as a powerful moment of Law and Gospel. The Law is evident in the disciples' misunderstanding of Christ's kingdom, revealing human sin and the desire for a theology of glory. The Gospel, however, shines brightly as Christ promises the Holy Spirit, assuring them o
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Colossians 3:12-14
We read Colossians 3:12-14 as a text that primarily speaks to our baptismal identity in Christ. As those who have been chosen and beloved by God, we are called to put on virtues that reflect our new life in Christ. This passage serves as both Law and Gospel: Law in that it shows us the high standard
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Leviticus 19:34
We read Leviticus 19:34 through the lens of Law and Gospel. As a command to love the sojourner, this text first functions as Law, exposing our failure to love those who are different from us, hence revealing our sin. Yet, it also points us to Christ, the true Israelite who perfectly fulfills this La
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Mark 10:42-45
We read this passage as a definitive illustration of the theology of the cross. Jesus subverts the disciples' understanding of greatness by pointing to his own impending suffering and death as the true path to glory. This is a stark presentation of the Law, as it exposes our human inclination toward
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: Deuteronomy 10:12-22
In Deuteronomy 10:12-22, we read this passage through the Lutheran Lens as a profound interaction between Law and Gospel. The call to fear the Lord and walk in His ways reveals the Law's demands, exposing our inability to fulfill them due to our sinful nature. Yet, this passage also points beyond it
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Acts 2:44-45
We read Acts 2:44-45 through the lens of the communal life of the early church as a reflection of the Gospel's transformative power. This passage demonstrates the fruits of faith and the embodiment of love that flows from justification by faith alone. The sharing of possessions is not a law to be fu
Practical Humility - Illustration
As we reflect on 2 Timothy 1:7, we remember that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. This powerful reminder invites us into a life marked by humility—a profound, gentle strength that...
Theology of Hope - Application
To embrace the profound truth of Romans 8:28—that “all things work together for good for those who love God”—is to step into a sanctuary of hope. Paul’s words resonate deeply with our human experience, reminding us that even amid trials,...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Luke 12:22-34
We read Luke 12:22-34 as a vivid application of the distinction between Law and Gospel. The Law exposes our anxiety and misplaced trust in material wealth, revealing our failure to trust in God's providence. The Gospel assures us that God values us infinitely more than the birds and flowers, promisi
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 8:19-22
We read Romans 8:19-22 through the lens of the theology of the cross, recognizing that creation itself is subjected to futility, reflecting the deep corruption of sin. This passage is primarily Law, showing the groaning of creation under the weight of the Fall and the curse of sin. Yet, it also hint
Genesis 21:22-34 - Anabaptist Perspective
In this passage, the Anabaptist tradition emphasizes the importance of peaceable relationships and community-building in the context of God's promises. Abraham's interaction with Abimelech illustrates a commitment to reconciliation and integrity, reflecting the Anabaptist call to live out the peace witness in all relationships.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 53:1-6
We read Psalm 53 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing that this passage powerfully exposes the total depravity of humanity apart from God's grace. Verses 1-3 serve as a stark proclamation of the Law, revealing the folly and corruption inherent in those who deny God. The Psalm confronts us
The Meaning of Goodness - Reflection
Goodness is not merely a moral quality; it is a reflection of God's character and a manifestation of the Holy Spirit's work within us. In Galatians 5:22-23, Paul presents goodness as one of the fruits of the Spirit, a divine...