In this sermon on John 10:15, Zack DiPrima examines Jesus’ declaration, “I lay down my life for the sheep,” and the doctrine of definite atonement. Beginning with the sacrificial death of Sydney Carton in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, DiPrima contrasts human sacrifice with the far greater work of the Good Shepherd, who intentionally lays down His life to secure the redemption of His people. Drawing from Isaiah 53, Matthew 1, John 6 and 17, Romans 8, Ephesians 5, Revelation 5, and other passages, the sermon argues that the cross did not merely make salvation possible—Christ’s sacrifice actually saves. The Father chooses a people, the Son accomplishes their redemption, and the Spirit brings them to life and faith. Far from making the gospel impersonal or diminishing evangelism, this truth gives Christians confidence in the security of their salvation, a deeper sense of Christ’s personal love for them, and boldness to proclaim the gospel, knowing that the Good Shepherd is gathering His sheep into one flock.
This sermon is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
