Gerhard and Walther

For even though Christ Jesus, our Savior and Mediator, redeems us from the curse and the curse of the law, Gal 3:13, yet He has not pronounced us free from the obligation to obey the Law so that we might now do what we please and live according to the lusts of the flesh. Instead, He all the more establishes in our hearts obedience toward God’s command. He does this through the Holy Spirit, by whose power He enlightens, regenerates, renews, and sanctifies us.—Johann Gerhard, Schola Pietatis I:145.

If Luke wanted to present to us Simeon’s joy at the prospect of death, why did he so carefully convey the fact that he “just and devout” during his life? He doubtless wished to tell us that if we also want to die in a joyful and blessed manner, we must, like Simeon, prepare ourselves for our death by a truly godly and God-fearing life.—C. F. W. Walther, God Grant It!, p. 191