In the sermon "O What A Shepherd We Have," David Eddmenson addresses the doctrine of Christ as the Good Shepherd, using the Biblical narrative of David from 1 Samuel 17:33-37 as a typology for understanding Christ's role in the lives of believers. Eddmenson draws a parallel between the characteristics of sheep and humanity’s spiritual needs, emphasizing that just as sheep are defenseless, directionless, and in need of guidance, so too are people without the shepherding of Christ. He supports his points with Scripture, particularly referencing Psalm 23 and John 10, which articulate the tender care, provision, and security Christ offers to His flock. The sermon highlights the practical significance of recognizing Christ's shepherding authority, which reassures believers of their eternal security and the constant care they receive from God, likening Christ’s leadership to David’s protective and nurturing role over his sheep.
Key Quotes
“God's sheep need a shepherd, and they've got the best shepherd. Oh, what a shepherd we have.”
“The only hope that sheep have for life is in and by and through Jesus Christ, the door.”
“Christ took on our responsibility as the bridegroom of his church, of his bride.”
“In Christ, we have eternal security. What’s that? If that’s not wishful thinking, what is that?”
The Bible depicts Jesus as the Good Shepherd who provides, guides, and protects His flock, exemplified in John 10.
In Scripture, Jesus is frequently represented as the Good Shepherd, a role reflecting His deep care and responsibility for His people. John 10:11 states, 'I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.' This highlights His sacrificial nature, emphasizing that He willingly faced danger to ensure the safety and well-being of His flock. Similarly, Psalm 23 beautifully portrays the Lord as our shepherd, providing everything we need and ensuring we do not lack good things. This concept extends to Christ's role as the Great Shepherd, as mentioned in Hebrews 13:20, which stresses His ongoing care and intercession for believers.
John 10:11, Psalm 23:1, Hebrews 13:20
Christ's sacrifice is sufficient as it was a perfect substitution for sinners, fulfilling the righteous demands of God against sin.
We know that Christ’s sacrifice was sufficient for our salvation because He perfectly fulfilled the role of a substitute as outlined in Scripture. Isaiah 53:6 states, 'the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all,' indicating that Christ bore the sins of His people, satisfying God’s justice. Furthermore, in 2 Corinthians 5:21, 'For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God,' it shows that Jesus took upon Himself not only the guilt of our sins but also granted us His righteousness. Therefore, through His sacrificial death and subsequent resurrection, we have a complete and perfect atonement for our sins, affirming the Reformed doctrine of justification by faith alone in Christ alone.
Isaiah 53:6, 2 Corinthians 5:21
Eternal security reassures Christians of their salvation, affirming that they cannot lose their relationship with Christ.
Eternal security is a fundamental doctrine in Reformed theology, emphasizing that once a person is truly saved, they cannot lose their salvation. This assurance is rooted in Jesus' promise in John 10:28-29, where He states, 'I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.' This assurance brings comfort and confidence to believers, knowing that their standing in Christ is secure based on His power and faithfulness rather than their own works. Furthermore, it reflects the grace of God, who has chosen His people and maintains their salvation, as seen in Romans 8:30, indicating that those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.
John 10:28-29, Romans 8:30
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