Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the metaphor of sheep is frequently employed to describe the people of God, illustrating their dependence, vulnerability, and need for guidance. However, the concept of "lost sheep" specifically refers to those who have strayed from the path of righteousness and are in need of redemption. This imagery is particularly poignant when discussing the unregenerate—those who have not yet experienced spiritual rebirth or salvation through Jesus Christ.Biblical Context and Symbolism The image of lost sheep is vividly portrayed in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the prophets often lament the waywardness of Israel, likening the nation to sheep that have gone astray. Isaiah 53:6 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 tendency of humanity to deviate from God's will, necessitating divine intervention for redemption. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ amplifies this metaphor in His teachings. In the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:3-7), Jesus illustrates God's relentless pursuit of the lost. He describes a shepherd who leaves ninety-nine sheep in the open field to search for the one that is lost, emphasizing the value and importance of each individual soul. Jesus concludes, "In the same way, I tell you that there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent" (Luke 15:7). The Condition of the Unregenerate The unregenerate, represented by the lost sheep, are those who have not yet accepted the salvation offered through Christ. They are spiritually estranged from God, living in a state of sin and separation. The Apostle Paul describes this condition in Ephesians 2:1-3, where he writes, "As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience" . This state of being lost is characterized by a lack of spiritual direction and an inability to find one's way back to God without divine intervention. The unregenerate are depicted as sheep without a shepherd, vulnerable to the dangers and deceptions of the world. The Shepherd's Call The hope for the lost sheep lies in the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, who came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10). Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Christ provides the means for the unregenerate to be reconciled to God. In John 10:11, Jesus declares, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep" . This selfless act of love and redemption is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering salvation to all who believe. The call to the unregenerate is to respond to the voice of the Shepherd, to repent and turn back to God. In doing so, they are promised forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life. The journey from being lost to being found is a transformative process, marked by the grace and mercy of God. Conclusion The metaphor of lost sheep serves as a powerful reminder of humanity's need for a Savior. It highlights the compassionate heart of God, who desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). For the unregenerate, the invitation remains open to become part of the fold, to experience the joy of salvation, and to live under the care and guidance of the Good Shepherd. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 10:6But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Need and Nature of Conversion Of the Incapacity of an Unregenerate Person for Relishing the ... Conclusion The Sad Case of a Relapse into Known and Deliberate Sin, after ... Its Problem And Judas Iscariot The Sin-Bearer. The Defence The Millennium in Relation to Sin. Sermons on Selected Lessons of the Gospels. Resources What is the significance of sheep in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho are the “other sheep” mentioned in John 10:16? | GotQuestions.org What is sheep stealing? | 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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