Law, Gospel, and the Lutheran Study Bible

The provided text is an excerpt from The Lutheran Study Bible, specifically focusing on Genesis and Exodus. It offers detailed commentary and explanations of various passages, exploring theological interpretations within a Lutheran framework. The excerpt includes extensive notes on the meaning of words, phrases, and historical context. It also incorporates Luther’s own writings and perspectives on biblical passages. Furthermore, the text examines different scholarly viewpoints on biblical authorship and interpretation, contrasting traditional and more modern approaches.

Understanding Biblical Scripture and the Book of Genesis

Short-Answer Quiz

1. What does the abbreviation “AD” stand for and what does it indicate?
2. Explain the difference between the two possible meanings of a transliterated word in this Bible.
3. What is the significance of the entry for “Scripture, Holy” in the topical index?
4. According to Genesis 1:26, in whose image was man created?
5. What is the forbidden fruit in Genesis 2-3 and what happens after Adam and Eve eat it?
6. In Genesis 5, who is described as walking with God and what is his ultimate fate?
7. What is the duration of God’s patience with humanity before deciding to flood the earth in Genesis 6?
8. What promise does God make to Abraham in Genesis 15 and what is its significance?
9. Describe the nature of the covenant between God and Abraham and its conditions.
10. What is the significance of the story of Jacob and Esau in the context of the chosen lineage?

Answer Key

1. AD stands for anno Domini, Latin for “in the year of the Lord.” It indicates the number of years that have passed since the traditional year of Jesus Christ’s birth.
2. A transliterated word can represent either the specific form found in the original Hebrew or Aramaic text or a more common English usage of the term. For example, “Baal” could refer to a specific deity or be used as a general term for any god.
3. The entry for “Scripture, Holy” in the topical index provides a list of relevant scriptural passages that discuss the importance and nature of the Bible itself.
4. Genesis 1:26 states that man was created in the image of God. This implies that humans possess qualities reflecting the divine nature, such as reason, creativity, and moral capacity.
5. The forbidden fruit in Genesis 2-3 is from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. After eating it, Adam and Eve gain awareness of their nakedness, experience shame, and are expelled from the Garden of Eden.
6. In Genesis 5, Enoch is described as walking with God. He is taken by God without experiencing death, signifying his righteous life and favor in God’s eyes.
7. God’s patience in Genesis 6 lasts for 120 years before he decides to flood the earth due to the wickedness and corruption of humanity.
8. God promises Abraham in Genesis 15 that his descendants will be as numerous as the stars. This signifies God’s blessing on Abraham and the future establishment of a great nation through his lineage.
9. The covenant between God and Abraham in Genesis is an unconditional promise of land, descendants, and blessings. While circumcision is given as a sign of the covenant, it does not affect God’s commitment to fulfilling his promise.
10. The story of Jacob and Esau in Genesis highlights the theme of divine election and the unexpected ways God works. Despite Esau being the elder twin and natural heir, God chooses Jacob to carry on the lineage, demonstrating that God’s choice is not based on human merit or societal norms.

Essay Questions

1. Analyze the role of dreams and visions in the Book of Genesis, exploring their significance in revealing God’s will and guiding the actions of key figures like Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph.
2. Discuss the theme of family relationships in Genesis, examining the complexities of sibling rivalry, parental favoritism, and the consequences of deception and betrayal within families.
3. Explore the concept of sin and its consequences in Genesis, analyzing how the actions of Adam and Eve set in motion a pattern of disobedience and suffering for humanity. How do subsequent generations grapple with sin and its impact?
4. Analyze the significance of covenants in Genesis, focusing on the covenant between God and Abraham. How does this covenant shape the narrative and establish a foundation for future relationships between God and his chosen people?
5. Discuss the portrayal of women in Genesis, examining the roles and experiences of figures like Eve, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Leah. How do their stories reflect the social and cultural context of the patriarchal society depicted in the text?

Glossary of Key Terms

AD (anno Domini): A Latin phrase meaning “in the year of the Lord,” used to indicate the number of years that have passed since the traditional year of Jesus Christ’s birth.

Aramaic: A Northwest Semitic language closely related to Hebrew, used in some parts of the Old Testament.

BC (before Christ): Used to indicate the number of years before the traditional year of Jesus Christ’s birth.

Covenant: A solemn agreement between God and humanity, often involving promises and obligations on both sides.

Genesis: The first book of the Bible, narrating the creation of the world and the early history of humanity.

Hebrew: The ancient language of the Israelites, in which most of the Old Testament was written.

Holy Scripture: Refers to the Bible, considered to be the inspired word of God.

Patriarch: A male head of a family or tribe, particularly those featured in Genesis, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Redemption: The act of delivering from sin and its consequences, a central theme throughout the Bible.

Sin: Any act that goes against the will of God, leading to separation from him and spiritual death.

Topical Index: A list of subjects and concepts found in a book, along with references to the relevant pages or passages.

Transliteration: The process of representing the letters or sounds of one language using the alphabet of another language.

Briefing Doc: Excerpts from “The Lutheran Study Bible”

Main Themes:

• The Primacy of Scripture: The Lutheran Study Bible (LSB), as reflected in the opening quote by Martin Luther, emphasizes the absolute authority of Holy Scripture. It is presented as the sole infallible source of Christian doctrine and practice.
• Understanding the Text: The LSB provides a robust system for navigating and interpreting the Bible. It includes detailed cross-referencing, transliteration guides for Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, and extensive notes that explain historical context, theological nuances, and key concepts.
• God’s Covenant with Humanity: The excerpts demonstrate the recurring theme of God establishing and reaffirming his covenant with individuals (e.g., Abram) and with all of humanity. This covenant is marked by promises of blessing, land, and descendants, but also demands faithfulness and obedience.
• Human Sin and Divine Grace: The excerpts illustrate the tension between human sinfulness (e.g., the Fall, the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Golden Calf incident) and God’s enduring grace and mercy. This theme lays the groundwork for understanding the need for a savior.

Most Important Ideas or Facts:

• Genesis as Foundation: The selected passages highlight the foundational importance of Genesis in understanding God’s plan for creation and redemption. Key events like creation, the fall, the flood, and the establishment of covenants with Abraham and his descendants are covered.
• Importance of Family Lines: The genealogical accounts in Genesis (e.g., Genesis 5) are given significant attention, emphasizing the importance of lineage in the unfolding of God’s plan. The line of Seth is particularly highlighted as leading to Noah and eventually to Abraham.
• Interpretation through a Christological Lens: The notes and cross-references consistently point towards Christ. For instance, the concept of the scapegoat in Leviticus is linked to Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and the promised offspring of Abraham in Genesis 15 is connected to the coming Messiah.
• Emphasis on Justification by Faith: The note on Genesis 15:6 highlights the theological concept of justification by faith, a central tenet of Lutheran theology. Abraham’s belief in God’s promise is “counted to him as righteousness,” demonstrating that salvation is received through faith, not works.

Key Quotes:

• “Holy Scripture—and no other book on earth.” – Martin Luther This quote encapsulates the LSB’s position on the supremacy and sufficiency of the Bible.
• “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” – Genesis 15:6 This verse is used to illustrate the doctrine of justification by faith, a cornerstone of Lutheran theology.

Overall Impression:

The excerpts from the LSB demonstrate its commitment to providing a comprehensive resource for studying and understanding the Bible from a Lutheran perspective. The emphasis on Scripture’s authority, detailed explanatory notes, and Christocentric interpretation aim to equip readers to engage deeply with the text and apply its teachings to their lives.

The Lutheran Study Bible: Genesis and Key Themes

What is the significance of Holy Scripture in the Lutheran tradition?

Holy Scripture holds paramount importance in the Lutheran tradition, as it is considered the sole source of divine revelation and the ultimate authority for Christian faith and life. Martin Luther emphatically stated that Holy Scripture stands above all other books on earth. It is through Scripture that God reveals His will and plan for humanity, and it is through the study of Scripture that believers come to know and understand God’s grace and salvation.

What is the purpose of the book “The Lutheran Study Bible”?

“The Lutheran Study Bible” serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding and interpreting the Bible from a Lutheran perspective. It aims to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the text through detailed annotations, explanations, and doctrinal insights that reflect the teachings of the Lutheran Church. The book’s purpose is to aid individuals in their personal study and reflection on God’s Word, ultimately fostering spiritual growth and strengthening their faith.

What is the significance of the abbreviations and transliterations used in the “The Lutheran Study Bible”?

The abbreviations and transliterations used in “The Lutheran Study Bible” serve as a guide for navigating the text and understanding the original languages of the Bible. Abbreviations such as “Gn” for Genesis and “Ex” for Exodus help readers locate specific books within the Bible. Transliterations, such as those provided for Hebrew and Greek letters, assist readers in understanding the pronunciation and original forms of biblical names and terms, enhancing their comprehension of the text.

What key themes are explored in the excerpts from Genesis provided in the source?

The excerpts from Genesis explore several key themes, including God’s covenant with humanity, the consequences of sin, and the importance of family and lineage. Genesis 15 highlights God’s covenant with Abram, promising him numerous descendants and a land of inheritance, emphasizing God’s faithfulness and the enduring nature of His promises. Genesis 3 depicts the Fall of humanity, illustrating the consequences of sin and the introduction of suffering into the world. The subsequent chapters trace the lineage of Adam and Noah, highlighting the importance of family and the continuity of God’s plan for redemption through chosen individuals.

What is the story of Abraham’s intercession for Sodom in Genesis 18?

Genesis 18 recounts Abraham’s bold intercession for the wicked city of Sodom. Aware of God’s impending judgment, Abraham pleads for mercy, questioning God’s justice if even a small number of righteous individuals reside within the city. Through a series of negotiations, Abraham persuades God to spare Sodom if even ten righteous people can be found. This story demonstrates Abraham’s deep faith, his concern for justice, and his willingness to intercede on behalf of others.

What is the significance of Jacob’s blessing on Joseph and his sons in Genesis 48?

In Genesis 48, Jacob, nearing the end of his life, blesses Joseph and his two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. This blessing carries significant weight as it determines the future inheritance and leadership within the family. Jacob’s decision to place his right hand on Ephraim, the younger son, instead of Manasseh, signifies the elevation of Ephraim’s lineage and foreshadows the prominent role Ephraim’s tribe will play in the future of Israel.

What is the purpose of Jacob’s final blessings upon his sons in Genesis 49?

Jacob’s final blessings upon his sons in Genesis 49 serve as prophetic pronouncements, foretelling the destinies and characteristics of the twelve tribes of Israel. Each son receives a unique blessing, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and future roles within the nation. These blessings provide insights into the tribal divisions, territorial allocations, and future triumphs and struggles of the Israelites.

What is the significance of the account of Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers in Genesis 50?

Genesis 50 concludes with a powerful account of Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers, who had sold him into slavery years earlier. Following their father’s death, Joseph’s brothers fear retribution, but Joseph reassures them, emphasizing that God had orchestrated the events for good. This act of forgiveness and reconciliation demonstrates Joseph’s remarkable character, his unwavering faith in God’s providence, and the transformative power of God’s grace to heal past wounds and bring about unity.

Shalom: God’s Peace and Blessing

Jesus said to his disciples, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19 [1]). The Lutheran Study Bible defines the Hebrew word for peace, shalom, as a “state of wholeness and unity” that can include reconciliation and is most often a blessing from God (Numbers 6:26; 25:12 [2]). Blessing, starting with creation (Genesis 1:22, 28), includes the Noahic (Genesis 9:1) and Abrahamic covenants (Genesis 12:1-3) and culminates in the cross of Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:5-8 [3]). The Gospel proclaims shalom as a holistic blessing [3]. Jesus blesses His people, like the children in Mark 10:16 or the disciples at the ascension [4]. While the curse brings death, the blessed will enjoy life and entry into the kingdom of God [4]. Paul’s view of blessing is found in Galatians 3:8, where he quotes Genesis 12:3b, “All nations shall be blessed in you” [5]. For Paul, the fulfillment of the blessing promised to Abraham is seen in God’s redeeming act in Christ [5]. The peace that Jesus gives is a blessing that comes from God. It is a state of wholeness and unity that is only possible through reconciliation with God through Christ.

The Lutheran Study Bible: Design and Development

The Lutheran Study Bible (TLSB) was created with input from around 600 laypeople, church workers, and scholars from Lutheran churches around the world [1]. The editors give thanks to God for each person’s service in the development of the TLSB [1]. The TLSB was developed with six goals in mind:

• Present justification by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, as the chief teaching of Scripture (Luke 24:44–47; John 5:39) [2]
• Properly distinguish and apply Law and Gospel (reading the Bible as a book about justification; John 1:17; Galatians 3:21–22) [2]
• Emphasize God’s work through the means of grace (Matthew 26:26–29; John 3:5; 20:22–23; Romans 10:17) [3]
• Function from a “Scripture alone” point of view and present a “Scripture interprets Scripture” approach to using the Bible (Psalm 119; 1 Timothy 6:3; 2 Timothy 3:16–17) [3]
• Equip the laity for works of service, with a particular focus on evangelism in their various vocations/callings in life (Psalm 145:4–13; Ephesians 2) [3]
• Present a uniquely Lutheran study Bible that features genuinely Lutheran notes and comments throughout, references to the Lutheran Confessions where appropriate, focus on the Small Catechism for helps and explanations, citations from Luther throughout, and materials to aid daily devotion and prayer [4]

The TLSB includes numerous articles that draw together important historical and doctrinal themes in Scripture [5]. For example, there are articles about “The Time Between the Testaments and the Apocrypha” [6], and “Humor and Comedy in the Bible” [7].

The TLSB also includes a cross-reference system based on one developed by Bible scholars from Oxford and Cambridge universities [8]. The cross-reference system was supplemented with the Luther Bible tradition, providing an additional 10,000 cross-references [9]. The footnotes in the TLSB were adapted from the English Standard Version (ESV), and several kinds of footnotes are provided to assist the reader [10]. The editors wanted to create a resource that could offer help to a broad readership, from confirmation students to pastors [4].

The TLSB [11] uses the English Standard Version, which is adapted from the Revised Standard Version of the Bible [12]. The ESV is a “‘word-for-word’ translation” that retains theological terminology because of its central importance for Christian doctrine [13].

The development team sought input from those who would use the study Bible on a regular basis [14]. Over 400 laypeople and church workers were invited to read portions of the ESV and to submit questions about the readings [14]. The development team studied the nearly 1,500 questions and prepared notes to answer the kinds of questions people asked [14].

Concordia Publishing House (CPH) [12, 15] holds the copyright for the TLSB and most of the material within it, including introductions, notes, maps, illustrations, and artwork [12].

The goal of the TLSB is to lead readers to meditate with joy on God’s life-giving Word [16]. In the previous turn of our conversation, the definition of the Hebrew word for peace, shalom, was taken from the “Key Terms and Phrases in the Books of Moses” section of the TLSB [17, 18].

Interpreting Scripture: A Lutheran Approach

The Lutheran Study Bible (TLSB) encourages readers to begin their Bible reading with prayer [1]. A suggested prayer includes petitions for the Lord to speak, show His ways, and give life according to His Word [1, 2]. The TLSB presents the Bible as God’s answer to essential questions about life, death, and eternal life [3]. Reading the Bible, especially challenging passages, can leave people feeling challenged and confused [4]. The first recorded example of public Bible reading is found in Exodus 24 [4]. After God rescued the Israelites from Egypt, He spoke laws and promises to Moses, which Moses wrote down and read to the people [4]. This first example of Bible reading includes challenging content, such as throwing blood on people [5]. The TLSB encourages readers to interpret challenging passages in light of the overall message of Scripture, which points to forgiveness, life, and salvation through Jesus Christ [5]. The Bible is a book about the Father’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ [6].

The TLSB emphasizes a few important points about Bible reading:

• The Bible should not be read literally in every instance. For example, the account of Moses throwing the blood of sacrifices on the people should not be interpreted as a command for modern-day Christians to sacrifice animals or throw blood on each other [7].
• The Holy Spirit opens Scripture to us through faith. While reason, grammar, and history have their place, reason alone is not enough to understand Scripture [8]. Our own reason is distorted by sin, which is why people can read the same passage and arrive at different interpretations [8]. The Holy Spirit works through the means of grace to illuminate hearts so that people can understand Scripture [9].
• Christians should not interpret Scripture in isolation. Scripture is the basis for Christian unity [10]. The Holy Spirit created the Church through the Word, and Christians are called to serve in the congregation of the faithful [9]. God’s people meditate on and interpret Scripture together [9].
• Creeds and confessions are a helpful resource for interpreting Scripture. The length and complexity of Scripture, coupled with false teaching, threatened the unity of the faithful [10]. For these reasons, Christians prepared short confessions of faith to summarize the main teachings of Scripture [10]. The creeds and confessions are a written record of how God’s people faithfully interpret Scripture [11].

The TLSB offers a two-year Bible reading plan that guides readers through the entire Bible. The plan includes a daily reading schedule and suggests supplementing readings with a psalm [12, 13].

The Holy Spirit and Scripture

The Holy Spirit opens Scripture to us through faith [1]. Though reason, grammar, and history play a role in understanding Scripture, they are not enough on their own because reason cannot grasp spiritual truths [1]. Human reason is distorted by sin, which is why people interpret the same passage in different ways [1].

The Holy Spirit creates faith in a person’s heart so that they can believe in Jesus and understand Scripture [2]. This happens when God speaks to people and interacts with them through His Word, Holy Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper [2]. These are called God’s means of grace, and they are administered by the Church [2]. Through these means, people come to know, trust, and belong to God [2]. The Lutheran Study Bible (TLSB) emphasizes the importance of the means of grace, as discussed in our previous conversation.

The Holy Spirit calls people to faith and to serve in the congregation of the faithful [3]. The Holy Spirit works through the Church to spread the Word [4]. This includes preparing and distributing Bibles [4]. Christians should meditate on Scripture together and interpret it in view of Scripture, not in isolation from other believers [3].

The Holy Spirit gives His chosen writers the thoughts they express and the words they write (verbal inspiration), making the Bible God’s Word and truth, without error (inerrancy) [5]. People have questioned the Bible’s inerrancy because humans wrote it, but God cannot lie [5]. Because the Holy Spirit worked through the writers, Scripture is God’s infallible and reliable Word [5].

The second article of the Apostles’ Creed states, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen” [6].

The Holy Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the Christian church on earth and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith [6].

Law and Gospel in the Lutheran Tradition

The Lutheran Study Bible (TLSB) presents Law and Gospel as the two basic ways God interacts with humanity. Recognizing the distinction between Law and Gospel is essential for correctly interpreting and applying Scripture [1]. The concept of Law and Gospel was central to the Reformation, as discussed in our previous conversation about the TLSB. Martin Luther wrote the first treatise on the topic, but the distinction has always been present in Scripture and the writings of theologians throughout Christian history [2].

The Law

• The Law is God’s Word of command that reveals His will and shows what is right [3].
• The Law accuses us of sin and reveals our inability to save ourselves. The Law includes commands for behavior, threats for disobedience, and punishments for sin [4, 5].
• The Law cannot save sinners but drives us to Christ by revealing our need for a Savior [5].
• The ceremonial and civil laws given to the Israelites in the Old Testament no longer apply to Christians, but they are still important because they teach about God’s holiness and mercy [1, 6].

The Gospel

• The Gospel is the good news of God’s forgiveness, life, and salvation in Jesus Christ [4].
• The Gospel is revealed in both the Old and New Testaments [4].
• The Gospel is the central message of Scripture, and the Law serves to illuminate it [5].
• The Gospel is received through faith [7].

The relationship between Law and Gospel is illustrated in Exodus 24, when God spoke to Moses and gave him laws for the Israelites to obey. This is an example of the Law. The people also received God’s promise of mercy and were cleansed through sacrifices, which pointed forward to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross [8]. This foreshadowing of Christ’s sacrifice is an example of the Gospel.

The Holy Spirit uses the Law and Gospel to create and sustain faith. The Holy Spirit convicts people of their sin through the Law and comforts them with the Gospel [9]. Only he is an orthodox teacher who presents all articles of faith in accordance with Scripture, and rightly distinguishes between Law and Gospel [10].

By Amjad Izhar
Contact: amjad.izhar@gmail.com
https://amjadizhar.blog

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