Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Sheep of Christ

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Topical Encyclopedia

The metaphor of believers as the "Sheep of Christ" is a profound and recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the relationship between Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, and His followers. This imagery emphasizes the care, guidance, and protection that Christ provides to His people, as well as the trust, obedience, and dependence that believers are called to exhibit.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of believers as sheep is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the imagery of God as a shepherd is prevalent, as seen in Psalm 23:1, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." This passage highlights God's provision and guidance for His people, a theme that is carried into the New Testament with Christ as the fulfillment of the Good Shepherd.

In the New Testament, Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the Good Shepherd in John 10:11, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This declaration underscores the sacrificial love and commitment of Christ to His followers. The sheep, in turn, are those who hear His voice and follow Him, as stated in John 10:27, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

Characteristics of the Sheep

1. Hearing and Following: The sheep of Christ are characterized by their ability to hear His voice and their willingness to follow Him. This denotes a relationship built on recognition and obedience. As Jesus states in John 10:4, "When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice."

2. Dependence and Trust: Sheep are known for their dependence on the shepherd for sustenance, guidance, and protection. Believers, as sheep, are called to trust in Christ for their spiritual nourishment and safety. This dependence is echoed in Psalm 100:3, "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture."

3. Vulnerability and Need for Protection: Sheep are inherently vulnerable creatures, often unable to defend themselves against predators. This vulnerability highlights the need for Christ's protection and the assurance that He provides. In John 10:28, Jesus promises, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand."

Role of the Shepherd

The role of Christ as the Shepherd is central to understanding the relationship between Him and His followers. As the Good Shepherd, Jesus is committed to the well-being of His sheep, leading them to "green pastures" and "still waters" (Psalm 23:2). He seeks out the lost, binds up the injured, and strengthens the weak, as prophesied in Ezekiel 34:16, "I will seek the lost, bring back the strays, bind up the broken, and strengthen the weak."

Furthermore, the sacrificial nature of Christ's shepherding is paramount. His willingness to lay down His life for the sheep is the ultimate demonstration of His love and dedication, ensuring their eternal security and salvation.

Conclusion

The metaphor of the "Sheep of Christ" serves as a powerful reminder of the intimate and caring relationship between Jesus and His followers. It calls believers to a life of trust, obedience, and reliance on the Good Shepherd, who faithfully leads, protects, and provides for His flock.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 10:1-16
Truly, truly, I say to you, He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 21:16
He said to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, love you me? He said to him, Yes, Lord; you know that I love you. He said to him, Feed my sheep.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... between cattle in a pound and Christ's own sheep.-Six weighty ... To plead the efficacy
of our old titles to our ... if questionable because of new sins-Saints do not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.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

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... odours, which are the prayers
of saints, and they ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

A Defence of the Doctrine of Justification, by Faith in Jesus ...
... Only here, as I have said, you glorify your errors also, with names and titles that
are not to ... 'Of his fulness have all we [saints] received, and grace for ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a defence of the doctrine.htm

To John the Oeconomus.
... But this common use of titles gives no offence to ... of the Church, however, constantly
used the names of the ... Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints." [2120] And ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm

Christ a Complete Saviour:
... are his, and that by the best of titles: 'Thine they ... This is to be inferred from
hence, that saints"for I ... of judgment, and with all your names written upon ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christ a complete saviour .htm

The Papacy not the Antichrist
... to Popery, and regarded those of his titles which referred to ... and "the Beast," as
only so many names for the ... appear before the Rapture of the saints and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the papacy not the antichrist.htm

Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... but the appendage of the work Is it names and honor ... and his Church, and never think
of titles and reputation ... Have we the conduct of those saints that shall live ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm

In How Many Ways "Throughwhom" is Used; and in what Sense "With ...
... Among these titles, it is when He is styled Door, or ... be partakers of the inheritance
of the saints in light ... note, compares Origen's teaching on the Names of our ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/chapter viii in how many.htm