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: 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: 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: 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: Exodus 11:1-10
We read Exodus 11:1-10 as a vivid illustration of the Law at work, revealing the depth of human sinfulness and rebellion against God. This passage exposes Pharaoh's hardened heart, illustrating humanity's incapacity to choose God without divine intervention. The coming final plague is a manifestatio
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: Exodus 12:1-14
When we read Exodus 12:1-14 through the Lutheran Lens, we see the Passover as a profound foreshadowing of Christ's sacrificial work for our salvation. The slaughtered lamb and the blood applied to the doorposts prefigure Christ, the Lamb of God, whose blood is shed for the forgiveness of sins. This
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
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: Exodus 15:1-21
We read Exodus 15:1-21 through the Lutheran Lens as a profound expression of both Law and Gospel. The Law is evident in the depiction of God's mighty acts of judgment against Pharaoh and his army, which reveals human rebellion and the futility of standing against God's righteousness. Yet, the Gospel
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 7:14-25
We read this passage as a vivid illustration of the tension between Law and Gospel that defines the Christian life. Paul expresses the struggle of the simul justus et peccator, as he is simultaneously justified by faith and yet bound by the old Adam. This passage exposes the reality of the bondage o
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: 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;...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 3:1-8
In Romans 3:1-8, we read this passage as highlighting the faithfulness of God amidst human unfaithfulness, emphasizing the Law and Gospel distinction. The Law exposes our inability to keep God's commands, as seen in the rhetorical questions posed by Paul, which reveal human sinfulness and the futili
When Forgiveness - Story
One evening, I sat on my porch, watching the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and purple. As I sipped my tea, I remembered a story shared by a dear friend. She had recently reconciled with her estranged...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Romans 2:1-11
In Romans 2:1-11, we read this passage through the strict distinction of Law and Gospel. The Law is evident as it exposes our hypocrisy and inability to meet God's righteous standards, while the Gospel, although not directly stated in this passage, stands as the promise of grace for those who recogn
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Exodus 7:14-25
We read Exodus 7:14-25 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the Law in the form of God's judgment upon Pharaoh and the Egyptians, revealing human inability to stand against God's demands. This passage is a clear manifestation of the Law's power to expose sin and bring about the realizatio
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Job 38:1-7
In Job 38:1-7, we read this passage as a profound revelation of the Law in its purest form. Here, God speaks out of the whirlwind, confronting Job with His divine majesty and reminding us of our creaturely limitations. This passage underscores the theology of the cross, where God's power and wisdom
Theological Perspective: Perseverance - Church Context
As we reflect on the profound truth of John 3:16—"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life"—we find both the wellspring of...
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: Galatians 5:22-23 (Fruit of the Spirit)
We read Galatians 5:22-23 through the lens of Law and Gospel, understanding the 'fruit of the Spirit' as the result of the Gospel's work in us, not as a new law to fulfill through our own efforts. This passage is Gospel because it declares what the Holy Spirit produces in us, not what we must produc
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Psalm 46:8-11
We read Psalm 46:8-11 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing both God's sovereignty over creation (Law) and His promise of peace through Christ (Gospel). In this passage, the call to 'be still and know that I am God' is an invitation to rest in the Gospel promise, knowing that our salvation
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Galatians 3:19-29
We read Galatians 3:19-29 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the Law's role as a pedagogue leading us to Christ. The Law reveals our sin and absolute inability to fulfill God's demands, thus driving us to the Gospel, where we find our justification by faith alone. The passage culminates
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
We read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 through the Lutheran Lens as a profound illustration of the Law and Gospel distinction. The text convicts us under the Law by highlighting that even the most extraordinary spiritual gifts are nothing if not accompanied by love. This reveals our human inability to fulfill