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: Genesis 6:1-8
We read Genesis 6:1-8 through the lens of Law and Gospel, understanding it as a profound illustration of humanity's sinfulness and God's righteous judgment — Law — yet also pointing forward to the Gospel promise. The passage shows the corruption of humanity and God's sorrowful decision to limit huma
The Example of Faithfulness - Contemporary Example
A few months ago, I had the privilege of visiting a small soup kitchen in our community run by a retired school teacher named Ruth. She had been serving there for over twenty years, a testament to her unwavering commitment...
Morning Prayer: Seeking God's Will in the Lutheran Lens Tradition
As dawn breaks, the soft light spills through the window, illuminating the stillness of the morning. In those quiet moments, we are reminded of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world…” This love is not a distant concept; it’s...
Spiritual Insight: Redemption - Prayer
Imagine a child lost in a bustling market, the sights and sounds overwhelming. Panic rises as she searches for her mother, her heart racing. Just when despair begins to sink in, she spots her mother’s familiar face in the crowd....
Quiet Time: Faith - Biblical Insight
As we gather today, let's turn our hearts toward a profound moment of divine connection that unfolds in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus gives the Great Commission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” This call invites us to a...
Morning Meditation: Grace - Story
As dawn breaks and the first light spills across the horizon, we are reminded of the gentle yet transformative grace of God. Psalm 23:1-6 paints a picture of a shepherd who lovingly leads us through the valleys and into green...
Daily Reflection: Joy - Story
Imagine a small, weathered village nestled between towering mountains, its streets lined with simple homes. Among them lived an artist who had faced many trials. Each day, she would sit by her window, gazing out at the rugged landscape that...
Quiet Time: Understanding - Story
Imagine a small, flickering candle in a dimly lit room. Its light dances gently against the walls, creating shadows that seem to flicker with the rhythm of its flame. You might wonder, does this tiny light have the power to...
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
Theology of Hope - Commentary
As we reflect on Romans 8:28, we encounter a profound promise: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse invites us...
Genesis 3:1-7 - Anabaptist Perspective
In the Anabaptist tradition, Genesis 3:1-7 is interpreted as a pivotal moment illustrating humanity's choice between obedience to God and the allure of autonomy. This narrative highlights the importance of community accountability and the peace witness, emphasizing that sin disrupts not only individual relationships with God but also communal harmony among people.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Ruth 1:1-5
We read Ruth 1:1-5 through the lens of Law and Gospel, recognizing the Law's revelation of human frailty and suffering in the face of famine and death. This passage highlights the consequences of living in a fallen world, where the Law exposes our inability to secure our own future. However, we also
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: 1 John 2:28-3:3
We read 1 John 2:28-3:3 through the lens of Law and Gospel, seeing the call to abide in Christ (2:28) as both a command (Law) that exposes our inability and a promise (Gospel) that assures us of our identity in Christ. The passage highlights our baptismal identity as God's children (3:1), which is a
Scripture Study: Lutheran Lens Interpretation Methods
As we gather around the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, we find a profound exploration of love that transcends mere emotion and beckons us into a divine reality. This passage is often celebrated in weddings, but its implications...
The Day of Judgment: Justice and Mercy United - Story
The final judgment serves as a sobering reminder of accountability while also providing comfort through the assurance of God's perfect justice and mercy. It emphasizes that genuine faith manifests in compassionate actions toward others, and believers can face judgment with hope, knowing they are covered by Christ's righteousness. Ultimately, the doctrine highlights the balance between God's justice and love, allowing for human autonomy in the face of eternal consequences.
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Ruth 2:1-23
In the Lutheran Lens tradition, we read Ruth 2:1-23 as an embodiment of God's providence and grace, highlighting the themes of vocation and divine mercy. Through Boaz's actions, we see the Law at work in its civil use, as he exercises justice and kindness in his vocation. Yet, the passage is also ri
Lutheran Lens Commentary: Revelation 3:14-22
We read this passage as a profound interplay of Law and Gospel. The words to the church in Laodicea expose the deep-seated sin of spiritual complacency (Law) — their lukewarm faith is neither hot nor cold, rendering them ineffective and distasteful. This is the Law doing its terrifying work, reveali
Putting Into Practice: Kindness - Teaching Material
As we reflect on Ephesians 2:8-9, which reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our own works, we find a profound call to live out this grace in our daily interactions. The kindness we extend...
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
We read this passage as the Apostle Paul's proclamation of the Gospel in its purity. It begins with a reminder of the Gospel Paul preached, which is the foundation of our faith, and transitions into a powerful testimony of Christ's resurrection. This is Gospel in its purest form—Christ died for our
Lutheran Lens Commentary: 1 John 2:1-6
In 1 John 2:1-6, we read this passage as a vivid exposition of the interplay between Law and Gospel. The text underscores our call to walk as Christ walked, which the Law reveals as an impossible task for the old Adam, exposing our sin and the bondage of our will. Yet, it also delivers the Gospel pr
A Story of Humility - Contemporary Example
Maria was a gifted artist, known in her community for her vibrant paintings that seemed to sing with life. Yet, beneath the surface of her success, she battled with an insatiable desire for recognition. Each time her work was displayed,...
The Meaning of Grace - Reflection
Trusting in the Lord with all our heart, as Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, is not merely a call to blind faith, but an invitation to experience the richness of grace that God offers in every moment of our lives. In...