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 2:11-22
In Ephesians 2:11-22, we read this passage as a proclamation of the Gospel's power to create unity between Jew and Gentile, emphasizing that this unity comes not from human effort but from Christ's reconciling work. The Law is evident in the division and hostility that existed, both vertically with
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 12:14-21
In Romans 12:14-21, we read this passage as a call to live out our baptismal identity, understanding our actions through the lens of the Third Use of the Law. This section serves as guidance for the baptized community, reflecting how the justified sinner, empowered by the Holy Spirit, lives in the w
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Colossians 1:15-20
We read Colossians 1:15-20 as a profound declaration of the Gospel, revealing the cosmic scope of Christ's redemptive work. This passage proclaims Christ as the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation, emphasizing his preeminence and active role in creation. We see the Law in the i
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49
We read 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 through the Law/Gospel distinction, recognizing the Law's role in exposing our frailty and mortality, and the Gospel's promise of resurrection through Christ. The passage contrasts our perishable, dishonorable, and weak bodies with the imperishable, glorious, and power
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 5:12-21
We read Romans 5:12-21 through the lens of Law and Gospel, seeing the stark contrast between death through Adam and life through Christ. The passage powerfully illustrates our theology of original sin and the bondage of the will, as all humanity is implicated in Adam's sin. Yet, the Gospel shines br
A Story of Forgiveness - Story
One summer, I met a woman named Clara at a community garden. She was in her late sixties, with hands calloused from years of tending to plants. Each day, she would arrive, kneeling in the dirt, her fingers tracing the...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 19:1-6
We read Psalm 19:1-6 as a proclamation of the Law, revealing God's majesty and power through creation. The heavens declare the glory of God, yet in their beauty, they also testify to our inability to achieve such perfection on our own. The Law is evident in the order and splendor of creation, which
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Isaiah 58:6-7 (True Fasting)
We read Isaiah 58:6-7 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing that it serves primarily as Law by exposing our failure to live out genuine fasting and righteousness. The text challenges us by highlighting our inability to fulfill God's demands for justice and mercy on our own. It points to ou
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: 1 John 1:5-10
We read 1 John 1:5-10 as a vivid illustration of the Law and Gospel distinction. The passage begins with the Law: 'God is light, and in him is no darkness at all,' exposing our sin and inability to stand in that light by our own merits. The confession of sin is the acknowledgment of our total deprav
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 4:13-25
In Romans 4:13-25, we read this passage through the Lutheran Lens as a robust affirmation of justification by faith alone. Paul emphasizes that the promise given to Abraham comes not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. This underscores our conviction that it is not human effort
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
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We read 2 Timothy 3:16-17 through the lens of Law and Gospel. The passage highlights the purpose of Scripture: to teach, rebuke, correct, and train in righteousness. The Law reveals our sinfulness and inability to meet God's standards, while the Gospel in Scripture delivers the promise of grace thro
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: Luke 10:25-37
We read the parable of the Good Samaritan through the lens of Law and Gospel. The initial question, 'What must I do to inherit eternal life?' immediately sets the stage for a Law reading, exposing the lawyer's attempt to justify himself. The Law's demand is laid bare in the command to 'love your nei
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Proverbs 31:8-9 (Speak Up for the Voiceless)
We read Proverbs 31:8-9 as a call to live out our baptismal identity in the world, where the Law requires us to speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. This passage serves as a demonstration of the Third Use of the Law, guiding the baptized in their vocations. While the Law exposes our f
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Revelation 21:1-5
In Revelation 21:1-5, we read this passage as a profound proclamation of Gospel promise. The vision of a new heaven and a new earth is God's definitive promise of renewal and restoration, which we receive solely through Christ. The imagery of God dwelling with humanity and wiping away every tear is
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 1:18-23
We read Romans 1:18-23 as a stark revelation of the Law, where God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. This passage shows the total depravity of humanity and our inability to know God rightly without His gracious revelation. It underscores the theology of the cross, as i
Real-World Grace - Illustration
Imagine for a moment a weary traveler, burdened by the weight of their luggage. They have journeyed long and hard, driven by the hope of reaching a destination that promises rest and renewal. Yet, here they are, glancing at their...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Philippians 4:6-7 (Do Not Be Anxious)
We read Philippians 4:6-7 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the Law's exposure of our inherent anxiety and inability to trust God fully. The command 'Do not be anxious' reveals our failure to live in perfect trust, convicting us of our need for Christ. Yet, in the Gospel, we encounter
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 5:1-23
In Exodus 5:1-23, we read this passage as a profound illustration of the tension between Law and Gospel. The Law is manifest in Pharaoh’s harsh response to Moses and Aaron’s request, revealing the bondage and oppression of the Israelites, which echoes our own bondage under sin. This narrative points
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 John 4:17-21
We read 1 John 4:17-21 through the lens of Law and Gospel, emphasizing God's perfect love revealed in Christ as the Gospel promise that casts out fear. The passage underscores our inability to love perfectly (Law) and the assurance of our standing before God through Christ's love (Gospel). The text
Applying Self-control - Contemporary Example
When we reflect on Ephesians 2:8-9, we are reminded that our salvation is a gift from God—one we cannot earn through our works. This profound truth shapes our understanding of self-control. It’s not merely about restraining ourselves from harmful behaviors;...