Topical Encyclopedia The term "Sheep of Backsliders" is not a direct biblical phrase but rather a conceptual understanding derived from various scriptural passages that address the themes of backsliding and the metaphor of sheep. In the Bible, sheep often symbolize God's people, and the imagery of sheep going astray is used to describe those who have turned away from God or have fallen into sin.Biblical Context 1. Sheep as God's People: Throughout the Bible, God's people are frequently likened to sheep. This metaphor highlights their need for guidance, protection, and care from the Shepherd, who is God Himself. In Psalm 100:3 , it is written, "Know that the LORD is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture." 2. The Nature of Backsliding: Backsliding refers to the act of falling away or turning back from following God. It is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books where Israel is often chastised for its unfaithfulness. Jeremiah 3:22 calls out to the backsliders, "Return, O backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." 3. Sheep Going Astray: The imagery of sheep going astray is used to describe the tendency of God's people to wander from His ways. Isaiah 53:6 poignantly states, "We all like sheep have gone astray, each one has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid upon Him the iniquity of us all." This verse underscores the universal nature of sin and the need for redemption. 4. The Good Shepherd: In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is depicted as the Good Shepherd who seeks out the lost sheep. In John 10:11 , Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." This passage emphasizes Christ's sacrificial love and His mission to bring back those who have strayed. 5. Parable of the Lost Sheep: One of the most illustrative teachings of Jesus regarding backsliders is the Parable of the Lost Sheep found in Luke 15:4-7 . Jesus tells of a shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost, illustrating God's relentless pursuit of those who have wandered away. "And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home." 6. Restoration and Forgiveness: The Bible assures that backsliders can be restored through repentance and God's grace. In 1 John 1:9 , it is promised, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This assurance is a cornerstone of Christian faith, emphasizing God's readiness to forgive and restore. Theological Implications The concept of the "Sheep of Backsliders" serves as a powerful reminder of human frailty and the propensity to stray from God's path. It underscores the need for vigilance, repentance, and reliance on the Good Shepherd. The biblical narrative consistently portrays God as a loving and patient Shepherd who desires to bring His sheep back into the fold, offering hope and redemption to all who have wandered. Nave's Topical Index Jeremiah 50:6My people has been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away on the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place. Nave's Topical Index Library A Prospect of Revival Our Compassionate High Priest Conversion The Perfect Heart. Mercy's Master Motive Chapter xxxi the Nature of this Oversight The Recall to Religion in the Hymns of Charles Wesley Semi-Parasitism. Prayer Answered, Love Nourished Resources What did Jesus mean when He said “I am the door” (John 10:7)? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus say that He was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel (Matthew 15:24)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)? | GotQuestions.org Sheep: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sheep Gate: An Ancient Gate of Jerusalem Sheep of the Defenselessness of Servants of God (Greek: Diakonoi) Sheep of the Wicked in Their Death Sheep of Those Under God's Judgment Sheep were Frequently: Cut off by Disease Sheep were Frequently: Destroyed by Wild Beasts Sheep were Frequently: Given As Presents Sheep were Frequently: Given As Tribute Sheep were Frequently: Taken in Great Numbers in War Sheep: (In Patience and Simplicity) of Patience, of Christ Sheep: (In Proneness to Wander) of Those Who Depart from God Sheep: (Lost) of the Unregenerate Sheep: (Separation from the Goats) the Separation of Saints Sheep: (When Found) Restored Sinners Sheep: Also: Jacob's Management of Sheep: Being Covered With a Fleece Sheep: Bleating of, Alluded To Sheep: Constituted a Great Part of Patriarchal Wealth Sheep: False Prophets Assume the Simple Appearance Sheep: Feasting at the Time of Shearing Sheep: Females of, Called Ewes Sheep: First Wool of, Given to the Priests Sheep: Firstlings of, Could not be Dedicated As a Free-Will offering Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Redeemed Sheep: Firstlings of, not to be Shorn Sheep: Flesh of, Extensively Used As Food Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Members of the Family Sheep: Flocks of Attended by Servants Sheep: Flocks of Conducted to the Richest Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Fed in the Valleys Sheep: Flocks of Fed on the Mountains Sheep: Flocks of Fled from Strangers Sheep: Flocks of Followed the Shepherd Sheep: Flocks of Frequently Covered the Pastures Sheep: Flocks of Guarded by Dogs Sheep: Flocks of Kept in Folds or Cotes Sheep: Flocks of Made to Rest at Noon Sheep: Flocks of Watered Every Day Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abel Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Abraham Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice by Noah Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice from the Earliest Age Sheep: Offered in Sacrifice Under the Law Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bashan Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Bozrah Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Kedar Sheep: Places Celebrated For: Nebaioth Sheep: Skins of, Made Into a Covering for the Tabernacle Sheep: Skins of, Worn As Clothing by the Poor Sheep: The First Fleece of, Belonged to the Priests and the Levites Sheep: The Land of Bashan Adapted to the Raising of Sheep: Time of Shearing, a Time of Rejoicing Sheep: Tithe of, Given to the Levites Sheep: Tribute (Taxes) Paid In Sheep: Under Man's Care from the Earliest Age Sheep: Washed and Shorn Every Year Sheep: Wool of, Made Into Clothing Related Terms |
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