Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Lambs

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In the Christian tradition, the term "lambs" is often used metaphorically to describe the followers of Christ, emphasizing their innocence, purity, and dependence on the Good Shepherd. This imagery is deeply rooted in biblical texts and has been a significant symbol in Christian theology and ecclesiology.

Biblical Foundation

The metaphor of lambs is prominently featured in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd who cares for His flock. In the Gospel of John, Jesus instructs Peter, "Feed My lambs" (John 21:15). This directive underscores the pastoral responsibility of church leaders to nurture and guide the faithful, who are likened to lambs in need of care and protection.

The imagery of lambs also reflects the qualities expected of believers. In Matthew 10:16, Jesus warns His disciples, "Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves" . Here, the innocence and vulnerability of lambs are highlighted, reminding Christians of their call to maintain purity and righteousness in a world that may be hostile to their faith.

Theological Significance

The use of "lambs" as a title for saints carries profound theological implications. It signifies the transformation of believers through their relationship with Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). As lambs, Christians are called to emulate the sacrificial love and humility of Jesus, who laid down His life for His sheep.

Moreover, the title "lambs" conveys the idea of belonging and identity within the Christian community. Just as lambs are part of a flock, believers are members of the body of Christ, united in faith and purpose. This communal aspect is further emphasized in passages such as 1 Peter 2:25, where believers are described as having returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of their souls.

Pastoral Imagery

The pastoral imagery associated with lambs is rich and multifaceted. It evokes a sense of pastoral care, guidance, and protection provided by Christ and His appointed leaders. The shepherd-lamb relationship is one of intimacy and trust, where the shepherd knows each lamb by name and leads them to green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23:1-2).

In the early church, this imagery was often used to encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to rely on the guidance of their spiritual leaders. The role of the shepherd was to ensure the well-being of the lambs, guarding them against false teachings and leading them in the truth of the Gospel.

Conclusion

The title "lambs" for saints encapsulates the essence of Christian discipleship, characterized by innocence, dependence, and a deep connection to the Good Shepherd. It serves as a reminder of the believer's identity in Christ and the call to live a life of holiness and devotion within the community of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 40:11
He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 21:15
So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, love you me more than these? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my lambs.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Beast
... Names And Titles of the Antichrist 4. The Beast. ... The "Lamb" is the Saviour of sinners;
the "Beast" is the persecutor and slayer of the saints. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/4 the beast.htm

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... them by endearing names, by the highest titles which they ... Luke, and John, by their
right names, but must ... both become the same thing, namely, saints unto God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

The Blood of the Covenant
... We could not say to all the saints, "after this manner pray ye," for they would
not ... Other names may have small significance, but in the titles of Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour. ... God clothe the lilies and will he not clothe
his lambs? ... As Christ bears the saints' names upon his breast, so they bear ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... matters and things of worship of Antichrist; it dwells in the titles and names that
are ... Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou king of Saints. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... design of the ministry is "to perfect the saints, and to ... sinecures in the Christian
Church, and that the names of office are not empty titles of honour. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... Fifth.-To plead the efficacy of our old titles to our inheritance, if questionable
because of new sins-Saints do not sell their inheritance by sin. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Hugh the Builder
... the varying beauty of the world, the lower contains the names of the ... of so great
a sire, who blessed her with so many titles on all ... {22} Ie, Saints and Lances. ...
/.../marson/hugh bishop of lincoln/chapter viii hugh the builder.htm

Dialogue ii. --The Unconfounded.
... Eran."And we give names to him from both these attributes. ... a great deal about this,
but I follow the saints who have ... From his work on The Titles of the Psalms ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue ii the unconfounded.htm

The Dialogue against the Luciferians.
... Gods, and was an idolater; or by the three titles he was ... be everywhere, if we read
the acts and names of the ... of wrath; and, as they depart, the saints will say ...
/.../the principal works of st jerome/the dialogue against the luciferians.htm