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The Shepherd and the Lamb: Our Covenant Hope in Christ
Of the many titles by which Jesus could be known, none are more tender, powerful, or illuminating than the Shepherd and the Lamb. In The Shepherd and the Lamb: Our Covenant Hope in Christ, Elder Gerrit W. Gong shares insights on these powerfully complementary, symbolic titles of the Savior.
Elder Gong writes, “As our Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ succors and saves. He lifts and liberates. He rises above and descends below all things.” To help readers better understand these two roles of our Savior, Elder Gong examines the unique blessings that Jesus Christ offers.
As our Good Shepherd, He calls and gathers His sheep to Him. He ministers to the one and strengthens us as we reach out to each other. As the Lamb of God, He restores that which was lost and should be found. He forgives and brings reconciliation. He delivers and redeems. He makes covenant belonging possible.
Through the messages found on its pages, The Shepherd and the Lamb, is also an invitation to each one of us—an invitation to discover how coming to Jesus Christ as the Shepherd and the Lamb fires our faith, hopes, and spiritual imagination, how it lends perspective to our lived experiences and our faith-filled future. Jesus Christ is the Light and the Life of the World. He is the Father and the Son. He is the Shepherd and the Lamb.
Elder Gong writes, “As our Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ succors and saves. He lifts and liberates. He rises above and descends below all things.” To help readers better understand these two roles of our Savior, Elder Gong examines the unique blessings that Jesus Christ offers.
As our Good Shepherd, He calls and gathers His sheep to Him. He ministers to the one and strengthens us as we reach out to each other. As the Lamb of God, He restores that which was lost and should be found. He forgives and brings reconciliation. He delivers and redeems. He makes covenant belonging possible.
Through the messages found on its pages, The Shepherd and the Lamb, is also an invitation to each one of us—an invitation to discover how coming to Jesus Christ as the Shepherd and the Lamb fires our faith, hopes, and spiritual imagination, how it lends perspective to our lived experiences and our faith-filled future. Jesus Christ is the Light and the Life of the World. He is the Father and the Son. He is the Shepherd and the Lamb.
136 pages, Hardcover
Published February 26, 2024
30 people are currently reading
133 people want to read
About the author
Gerrit W. Gong
16 books13 followersElder Gerrit W. Gong was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 31, 2018. He had served as a General Authority Seventy from April 3, 2010 until the time of his call to the Twelve. He was named a member of the Presidency of the Seventy on October 6, 2015. From 2011 to 2015, Elder Gong was a member of the Asia Area Presidency, headquartered in Hong Kong, and concluded that service as the Area President.
Elder Gong received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian and university studies from Brigham Young University in 1977. In 1979, he received a Master of Philosophy degree and in 1981 a doctorate in international relations from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. In 1985 he served as special assistant to the undersecretary of state at the U.S. State Department and in 1987 as special assistant to the U.S. ambassador in Beijing, China. From 1989 he served in several positions at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. He was assistant to the president for planning and assessment at Brigham Young University until April 2010.
Elder Gong has served in numerous Church callings, including full-time missionary in the Taiwan Taipei Mission, high councilor, high priests group leader, stake Sunday School president, seminary teacher, bishop, stake mission president, stake president and Area Seventy.
Gerrit Walter Gong was born in Redwood City, California on December 23, 1953. He married Susan Lindsay in January 1980. They are the parents of four children and three grandchildren.
Elder Gong received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Asian and university studies from Brigham Young University in 1977. In 1979, he received a Master of Philosophy degree and in 1981 a doctorate in international relations from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. In 1985 he served as special assistant to the undersecretary of state at the U.S. State Department and in 1987 as special assistant to the U.S. ambassador in Beijing, China. From 1989 he served in several positions at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. He was assistant to the president for planning and assessment at Brigham Young University until April 2010.
Elder Gong has served in numerous Church callings, including full-time missionary in the Taiwan Taipei Mission, high councilor, high priests group leader, stake Sunday School president, seminary teacher, bishop, stake mission president, stake president and Area Seventy.
Gerrit Walter Gong was born in Redwood City, California on December 23, 1953. He married Susan Lindsay in January 1980. They are the parents of four children and three grandchildren.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
March 25, 2024
This is a short, but beautiful book about the roles of Jesus Christ as both the Shepherd and the Lamb. It is filled with scripture references, experiences of individuals and messages about Jesus Christ. Perfect for a pre-Easter reading, but also good for any time of the year.
July 14, 2024
I could have read it in a days time but enjoyed reading a little bit every night about my Savior. Appreciate Elder Gongs testimony of Him.
April 9, 2024
Good book. It takes about 1/2 hour to read but packed with great wisdom.
May 13, 2024
Quick read with great wisdom.
December 31, 2024
I feel closest to my Savior than ever before! This book is short, but it is worth its weight in gold.
December 27, 2025
I liked it.
March 18, 2024
This is a sweet little book that focuses on the Savior, Jesus Christ, and particularly His role as the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God. He calls, gathers, ministers, strengthens, restores, forgives, delivers, redeems, and covenants. We can find joy in Him and praise His name and goodness! Hosanna and Hallelujah! This is a wonderful Easter read. Elder Gong helps us to see the joy and blessings that Jesus Christ offers each of us. We can accept and feel His love and then share it with others. Here are some of my favorite quotes:
"You and I, we each have a story. A personal story of divine identity and possibilities beyond human imagination--a unique journey to discover, create, grapple with, become... Often it is in retrospect that we can see God's hand blessing and guiding our lives. Yet sometimes we can also glimpse our eternal journey as a future whole (p. ix)."
"In this dual, reflexive role--as Shepherd and Lamb--Jesus Christ succors and saves. He lifts and liberates. He rises above and descends below all things (p. x)."
"'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He storeth my soul.' As Easter and every day, we celebrate the Good Shepherd who is also the Lamb of God. Of all His divine titles, it is significant that Jesus Christ describes Himself as the Good Shepherd and that prophetic testimonies point us to Him as the Lamb of God (p. 1)."
"Jesus Christ is our guide and exemplar as we journey through mortality. He calls us in His name and invites us each to hear His voice and follow Him (p. 4)."
"In time and eternity, Jesus Christ restores that which was lost and should be found. He forgives. He delivers and redeems. He offers covenant belonging, sanctified relationships stronger than the cords of death (p. 6)."
"Jesus Christ calls us... He seeks and gathers. He ministers in perfect love. He strengthens us in His love and invites us to strengthen each other in Him (p. 9)."
"Jesus Christ protects, guides, and watches over us with perfect love. We can become perfect in Him... He invites us to know by our own experience the good way, the liberating truth, the abundant life. To those who feel burdened, He invites, 'Come unto me,' and to those who come to Him, He promises, 'I will give you rest' (p. 13)."
"Always, He invites us to come or return to the covenants that mark His path. He waits ready to embrace us, even when we wander and are 'yet a great way off' (p. 14)."
"Our Good Shepherd knows when we feel alone, diminished, uncertain, or afraid (p. 15)."
"Our Shepherd is Himself the gate, the door, the strait and narrow covenant path for His sheep (p. 17)."
"As our Good Shepherd, His call is constant and sure, compassionate and kind, still and piercing to the heart. He never gives up on us. He invites us not to give up on each other (p. 18)."
"In every time and place, the Good Shepherd 'shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.' Jesus Christ gathers the scattered house of Israel into His single fold... Like His Atonement, the gathering of His covenant people is infinite and eternal, at once breathtakingly universal in its scope and breathtakingly person in its invitation (p. 21)."
"Our Shepherd reaches out to us in all our varied circumstances. He acknowledges the ninety-nine who are steadfast and immovable, even while He yearns after the one who has strayed (p. 23)."
"As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ knows each sheep, each lamb. He promises His Father not one given Him will be lost (p. 24)."
"Our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ gathers us by covenant into the garners of the house of the Lord (p. 27)."
"Sacred covenants and ordinances, not available anywhere else, but coming to more places than ever before, draw us closer to God our Father and Jesus Christ in the holy house of the Lord. Promised blessings come through restored priesthood keys, doctrine, and authority (p. 28)."
"We become more like the Good Shepherd when we minister... when we love our neighbor as ourselves; when we 'love one another' as He loves us; and when we appreciate that 'whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.'... To minister as the Good Shepherd would is to be a witness of Jesus Christ. To be a witness of Jesus Christ is to minister as the Good Shepherd would have us do (p. 31)."
"He ministers to them in terms they know--catching fish (p. 33)."
"Good shepherds strengthen, heal, bind up that which is broken. They bring again that which was driven away. They seek that which was lost. Good shepherds reach out, understand others where they are, and build gospel fellowship... Good shepherds love and, when appropriate, extend inspired invitations. Inspired invitations help us better make and keep sacred covenants. They help us become more kind, considerate, and helpful with each other. They help us become more humble and open... They help us trust and forgive more, judge and criticize less. Inspired invitations given in His ministering love change lives (p. 35)."
"There are needs everywhere in today's world. Good shepherds, good neighbors, seek to do good in the name of Jesus Christ among God's children everywhere. We can do more by working together (p. 37)."
"Higher and holier ministering comes when we pray for 'the pure love of Christ and follow the Spirit (p. 38)."
"Inspired ministering blesses families and individuals; it also strengthens gospel community in wards and branches. Think of your ward or branch as a spiritual community, a spiritual ecosystem. In the Book of Mormon allegory of the olive trees, the Lord of the vineyard and His servants bring forth precious fruit. They strengthen each tree by binding together the strengths and weaknesses of all the trees. The Lord of the vineyard and His servants repeatedly ask, 'What more can I do?' (p. 39)"
"Ministering--shepherding--makes our vineyard 'one body'--a sacred grove. Each tree in our grove is a living family tree (p. 40)."
"While we may tire physically, in His service we do 'not weary in well-doing.' We diligently do our best without running faster than we have strength (p. 40)."
"Following His path--the covenant path--strengthens us in our Savior's love and teaches us to strengthen each other as He would (p. 43)."
"Our souls--our spirits and physical bodies--bear record of our works and desires (p. 44)."
"Waiting upon the Lord is a sacred position (p. 45)."
"Patriarchal blessings strengthen us through spiritual covenant connection (p. 47)."
"We find our true, divine selves when we follow our Good Shepherd and come to God our Father by covenant. We receive strength and perspective when... we enter 'into a covenant with the Lord, that we will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon us' (p. 48)."
"Everything changes when we, as children of the covenant, know His promises bless us now. These covenant promises offer hope and assurance today, and beyond time into eternity (p. 49)."
"In losing our worldly self in the strength of our Good Shepherd, we find and become our best eternal self--free, alive, real (p. 50)."
"When we find strength in Jesus Christ, we can become more than we are. Coming to our Good Shepherd gives us place, narrative, and capacity to become. It produces faith unto life and salvation (p. 50)."
"As we discover our true, divine selves in Jesus Christ, we also learn to recognize and love our brothers and sisters as eternal being with divine potential. This deepening love and knowledge invites, empowers, and sanctifies us to know and, in our own way, to become more like Him (p. 51)."
"At the same time, full of majesty and power, He was capable and commissioned to overcome death and sin, to make right sorrow, injustice, unfairness, and hard-heartedness. Infinite and eternal, His Atonement is central to the plan of happiness and the purpose of creation (p. 53)."
"As our Shepherd, Jesus Christ protects and watches over us; as the Lamb of God, His atoning sacrifice restores. Significantly, the 'power and resurrection of Christ' is manifest in two restoration--physical and spiritual (p. 55)."
"Death and resurrection are central to God's eternal plan of happiness. The sacrifice of the Lamb of God makes possible the gift of universal resurrection (p. 57)."
"We repent and do all we can, and He encircles us 'eternally in the arms of his love' (p. 59)."
"Jesus Christ promises not simply to restore what was, but what should be. Through His every good gift and grace, we can look forward to the restoration and restitution of what a loving, almighty God would wish us to have (p. 59)."
"'He told me I could find meaning and peace in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I have found His peace and purpose in my life' (p. 60)."
"As One who knows, the Lamb of God gently entreats us, 'Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.'... These promises are for not only a future life. They are for here and now. Jesus Christ lives and loves us. He calls and comes to us today (p. 62)."
"Sometimes we feel distant from Jesus Christ. We say He is the Lamb of God but may not feel or want His watchcare or understand His sacrifice for us (p. 65)."
"By divine love and divine law, we are responsible for our choices and their consequences (p. 65)."
"We are accountable before God and ourselves for who we are, for what we think, know, and do (p. 66)."
"Thankfully, we can trust Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, to judge perfectly and mercifully our intents and actions, as we come to Him with faith and repentance (p. 66)."
"Our joy becomes full as we understand the Lamb of God is full of grace and forgiveness. As we offer the miracle of His grace and forgiveness to each other, the mercy we receive and the mercy we offer can help make life's injustices just (p. 69)."
"Often the strength to forgive is not within us, but it can be found in the Atonement of Jesus Christ (p. 70)."
"Innocent, without spot and without blemish, the Lamb of God descended below all things (p. 70)."
"Sometimes our willingness to forgive someone else enables both them and us to believe we can repent and be forgiven (p. 72)."
"As we come to our Savior, we focus less on ourselves. We judge less and forgive more. He frees us from contention, anger, abuse, abandonment, unfairness, and the physical and mental challenges that come with mortality (p. 73)."
"Peace and healing come as we let go of hurt and trauma through Jesus Christ. This includes as we offer others the opportunity to make sacred temple covenants with the Lord (p. 75)."
"Jesus Christ can deliver and redeem us from bondage and captivity (p. 77)."
"How grateful we are for certain assurance that precious family relationships can be perpetuated beyond the grave and families can be united eternally (p. 78)."
"In the eyes of the world, we may be considered of little notice or worth... But we are not unvalued or unknown or forgotten in the heart of the Lamb of God. He redeems and delivers even the least of us (p. 80)."
"With the faithful use of our agency and the enabling power of the Atonement of the Lamb of God, we can find peace, even with our most troubled pasts, and hope, even in our most uncertain futures. The Lamb of God delivers and redeems. In all things, He invites and brings us to Him and God, our Eternal Father, through relationships that last in time and eternity--through covenant belonging (p. 84)."
"Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, makes covenant belonging possible... Salvation, redemption, and enduring celestial happiness are possible because the Lamb of God 'wrought out this perfect atonement' (p. 87)."
"With us in the beginning, Jesus Christ promises to be with us to the end, when 'God will wipe away all tears from our eyes' (p. 88)."
"The Book of Mormon is the promised instrument for the gathering of God's children, prophesied as a new covenant. As we read the Book of Mormon, by ourselves and with others, silently or aloud, we can ask God 'with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ,' and receive 'by the power of the Holy Ghost' a witness from God that the Book of Mormon is true (p. 89)."
"Covenant belonging gives roots and wings. It liberates through commitment. It enlarges through love. It opens every possibility. Covenant belonging refines. It comes early and stays late. It is unselfish. It works miracles. It gives voice to His love in time and eternity (p. 91)."
"When exercised with gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned, God's priesthood and His ordinances sweeten relationships on earth and can seal covenant relationships in heaven (p. 91)."
"When we are 'sanctified in Christ... in the covenant of the Father,' all things can work together for our good. As we honor our covenants, we may sometimes feel we are in the company of angels. And we will be--those who love and bless us on this and the other side of the veil. In covenant belonging, we strengthen each other in our Savior's love, thereby coming to love God and each other more (p. 92)."
"Covenant belonging is to come and see face to face, knowing even as we are known... Covenant belonging is to hope all things... is to keep the faith. It is not to give up on ourselves, on each other, nor on God. Covenant belonging is to delight with those who delight and to rejoice with those who rejoice. It is to bear one another's burdens, to mourn with those who mourn, to comfort those who stand in need of comfort. It is to stand as witnesses of God's tender mercies and daily miracles 'at all times and in all things, and in all places' (p. 93)."
"With hosanna and hallelujah, we celebrate the living Jesus Christ--the Shepherd and the Lamb... 'Praise ye the Lord'... 'Save now' (p. 95)."
"Jesus Christ lives--not only then, but now; not just for some, but for all. He calls, gathers, ministers, and strengthens. He restores, forgives, delivers and redeems, and covenants. As we come to Jesus Christ, His redeeming promises offer hope, no matter our past, our present, or concerns for our future. He is our hosanna and hallelujah (p. 95)."
"Palm leaves are a traditional, sacred symbol to express joy in our Lord... On Palm Sunday, the faithful recognized Jesus entering Jerusalem as fulfillment of prophecy (p. 96)."
"In the book of Revelation, those who praise God and the Lamb do so 'clothed with white robes and palms in their hands.' The March 27, 1846, Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer likewise looks forward to the day when we 'may ever be with the Lord,' with pure garments, 'clothed upon with robes of righteousness, with palms in our hands, and crowns of glory upon our heads' (p. 98)."
"Easter Sunday marks the pivotal point, central in time and eternity, in God's eternal plan of happiness. Easter marks the triumphal fulfillment of Jesus Christ's life, ministry, and divine mission, culminating in His Atonement and Resurrection and all they imply and encompass (p. 98)."
"'Jesus Christ came to pay a debt He didn't owe, because we owed a debt we couldn't pay' (Russell M. Nelson, p. 100)."
"Restoration scripture includes joyful instruction to declare truth 'with a sound of rejoicing, crying--Hosanna, hosanna, blessed be the name of the Lord God!' (p. 101)"
"I love that the joyous 'Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!' can praise God and the Lamb with full volume and full reverence at the same time (p. 103)."
"In the daily details and simple things, we can see great things brought to pass in our lives and in the unfolding blessings of God's children everywhere because of the Shepherd and the Lamb (p. 105)."
"You and I, we each have a story. A personal story of divine identity and possibilities beyond human imagination--a unique journey to discover, create, grapple with, become... Often it is in retrospect that we can see God's hand blessing and guiding our lives. Yet sometimes we can also glimpse our eternal journey as a future whole (p. ix)."
"In this dual, reflexive role--as Shepherd and Lamb--Jesus Christ succors and saves. He lifts and liberates. He rises above and descends below all things (p. x)."
"'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He storeth my soul.' As Easter and every day, we celebrate the Good Shepherd who is also the Lamb of God. Of all His divine titles, it is significant that Jesus Christ describes Himself as the Good Shepherd and that prophetic testimonies point us to Him as the Lamb of God (p. 1)."
"Jesus Christ is our guide and exemplar as we journey through mortality. He calls us in His name and invites us each to hear His voice and follow Him (p. 4)."
"In time and eternity, Jesus Christ restores that which was lost and should be found. He forgives. He delivers and redeems. He offers covenant belonging, sanctified relationships stronger than the cords of death (p. 6)."
"Jesus Christ calls us... He seeks and gathers. He ministers in perfect love. He strengthens us in His love and invites us to strengthen each other in Him (p. 9)."
"Jesus Christ protects, guides, and watches over us with perfect love. We can become perfect in Him... He invites us to know by our own experience the good way, the liberating truth, the abundant life. To those who feel burdened, He invites, 'Come unto me,' and to those who come to Him, He promises, 'I will give you rest' (p. 13)."
"Always, He invites us to come or return to the covenants that mark His path. He waits ready to embrace us, even when we wander and are 'yet a great way off' (p. 14)."
"Our Good Shepherd knows when we feel alone, diminished, uncertain, or afraid (p. 15)."
"Our Shepherd is Himself the gate, the door, the strait and narrow covenant path for His sheep (p. 17)."
"As our Good Shepherd, His call is constant and sure, compassionate and kind, still and piercing to the heart. He never gives up on us. He invites us not to give up on each other (p. 18)."
"In every time and place, the Good Shepherd 'shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.' Jesus Christ gathers the scattered house of Israel into His single fold... Like His Atonement, the gathering of His covenant people is infinite and eternal, at once breathtakingly universal in its scope and breathtakingly person in its invitation (p. 21)."
"Our Shepherd reaches out to us in all our varied circumstances. He acknowledges the ninety-nine who are steadfast and immovable, even while He yearns after the one who has strayed (p. 23)."
"As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ knows each sheep, each lamb. He promises His Father not one given Him will be lost (p. 24)."
"Our Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ gathers us by covenant into the garners of the house of the Lord (p. 27)."
"Sacred covenants and ordinances, not available anywhere else, but coming to more places than ever before, draw us closer to God our Father and Jesus Christ in the holy house of the Lord. Promised blessings come through restored priesthood keys, doctrine, and authority (p. 28)."
"We become more like the Good Shepherd when we minister... when we love our neighbor as ourselves; when we 'love one another' as He loves us; and when we appreciate that 'whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.'... To minister as the Good Shepherd would is to be a witness of Jesus Christ. To be a witness of Jesus Christ is to minister as the Good Shepherd would have us do (p. 31)."
"He ministers to them in terms they know--catching fish (p. 33)."
"Good shepherds strengthen, heal, bind up that which is broken. They bring again that which was driven away. They seek that which was lost. Good shepherds reach out, understand others where they are, and build gospel fellowship... Good shepherds love and, when appropriate, extend inspired invitations. Inspired invitations help us better make and keep sacred covenants. They help us become more kind, considerate, and helpful with each other. They help us become more humble and open... They help us trust and forgive more, judge and criticize less. Inspired invitations given in His ministering love change lives (p. 35)."
"There are needs everywhere in today's world. Good shepherds, good neighbors, seek to do good in the name of Jesus Christ among God's children everywhere. We can do more by working together (p. 37)."
"Higher and holier ministering comes when we pray for 'the pure love of Christ and follow the Spirit (p. 38)."
"Inspired ministering blesses families and individuals; it also strengthens gospel community in wards and branches. Think of your ward or branch as a spiritual community, a spiritual ecosystem. In the Book of Mormon allegory of the olive trees, the Lord of the vineyard and His servants bring forth precious fruit. They strengthen each tree by binding together the strengths and weaknesses of all the trees. The Lord of the vineyard and His servants repeatedly ask, 'What more can I do?' (p. 39)"
"Ministering--shepherding--makes our vineyard 'one body'--a sacred grove. Each tree in our grove is a living family tree (p. 40)."
"While we may tire physically, in His service we do 'not weary in well-doing.' We diligently do our best without running faster than we have strength (p. 40)."
"Following His path--the covenant path--strengthens us in our Savior's love and teaches us to strengthen each other as He would (p. 43)."
"Our souls--our spirits and physical bodies--bear record of our works and desires (p. 44)."
"Waiting upon the Lord is a sacred position (p. 45)."
"Patriarchal blessings strengthen us through spiritual covenant connection (p. 47)."
"We find our true, divine selves when we follow our Good Shepherd and come to God our Father by covenant. We receive strength and perspective when... we enter 'into a covenant with the Lord, that we will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon us' (p. 48)."
"Everything changes when we, as children of the covenant, know His promises bless us now. These covenant promises offer hope and assurance today, and beyond time into eternity (p. 49)."
"In losing our worldly self in the strength of our Good Shepherd, we find and become our best eternal self--free, alive, real (p. 50)."
"When we find strength in Jesus Christ, we can become more than we are. Coming to our Good Shepherd gives us place, narrative, and capacity to become. It produces faith unto life and salvation (p. 50)."
"As we discover our true, divine selves in Jesus Christ, we also learn to recognize and love our brothers and sisters as eternal being with divine potential. This deepening love and knowledge invites, empowers, and sanctifies us to know and, in our own way, to become more like Him (p. 51)."
"At the same time, full of majesty and power, He was capable and commissioned to overcome death and sin, to make right sorrow, injustice, unfairness, and hard-heartedness. Infinite and eternal, His Atonement is central to the plan of happiness and the purpose of creation (p. 53)."
"As our Shepherd, Jesus Christ protects and watches over us; as the Lamb of God, His atoning sacrifice restores. Significantly, the 'power and resurrection of Christ' is manifest in two restoration--physical and spiritual (p. 55)."
"Death and resurrection are central to God's eternal plan of happiness. The sacrifice of the Lamb of God makes possible the gift of universal resurrection (p. 57)."
"We repent and do all we can, and He encircles us 'eternally in the arms of his love' (p. 59)."
"Jesus Christ promises not simply to restore what was, but what should be. Through His every good gift and grace, we can look forward to the restoration and restitution of what a loving, almighty God would wish us to have (p. 59)."
"'He told me I could find meaning and peace in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I have found His peace and purpose in my life' (p. 60)."
"As One who knows, the Lamb of God gently entreats us, 'Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.'... These promises are for not only a future life. They are for here and now. Jesus Christ lives and loves us. He calls and comes to us today (p. 62)."
"Sometimes we feel distant from Jesus Christ. We say He is the Lamb of God but may not feel or want His watchcare or understand His sacrifice for us (p. 65)."
"By divine love and divine law, we are responsible for our choices and their consequences (p. 65)."
"We are accountable before God and ourselves for who we are, for what we think, know, and do (p. 66)."
"Thankfully, we can trust Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, to judge perfectly and mercifully our intents and actions, as we come to Him with faith and repentance (p. 66)."
"Our joy becomes full as we understand the Lamb of God is full of grace and forgiveness. As we offer the miracle of His grace and forgiveness to each other, the mercy we receive and the mercy we offer can help make life's injustices just (p. 69)."
"Often the strength to forgive is not within us, but it can be found in the Atonement of Jesus Christ (p. 70)."
"Innocent, without spot and without blemish, the Lamb of God descended below all things (p. 70)."
"Sometimes our willingness to forgive someone else enables both them and us to believe we can repent and be forgiven (p. 72)."
"As we come to our Savior, we focus less on ourselves. We judge less and forgive more. He frees us from contention, anger, abuse, abandonment, unfairness, and the physical and mental challenges that come with mortality (p. 73)."
"Peace and healing come as we let go of hurt and trauma through Jesus Christ. This includes as we offer others the opportunity to make sacred temple covenants with the Lord (p. 75)."
"Jesus Christ can deliver and redeem us from bondage and captivity (p. 77)."
"How grateful we are for certain assurance that precious family relationships can be perpetuated beyond the grave and families can be united eternally (p. 78)."
"In the eyes of the world, we may be considered of little notice or worth... But we are not unvalued or unknown or forgotten in the heart of the Lamb of God. He redeems and delivers even the least of us (p. 80)."
"With the faithful use of our agency and the enabling power of the Atonement of the Lamb of God, we can find peace, even with our most troubled pasts, and hope, even in our most uncertain futures. The Lamb of God delivers and redeems. In all things, He invites and brings us to Him and God, our Eternal Father, through relationships that last in time and eternity--through covenant belonging (p. 84)."
"Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, makes covenant belonging possible... Salvation, redemption, and enduring celestial happiness are possible because the Lamb of God 'wrought out this perfect atonement' (p. 87)."
"With us in the beginning, Jesus Christ promises to be with us to the end, when 'God will wipe away all tears from our eyes' (p. 88)."
"The Book of Mormon is the promised instrument for the gathering of God's children, prophesied as a new covenant. As we read the Book of Mormon, by ourselves and with others, silently or aloud, we can ask God 'with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ,' and receive 'by the power of the Holy Ghost' a witness from God that the Book of Mormon is true (p. 89)."
"Covenant belonging gives roots and wings. It liberates through commitment. It enlarges through love. It opens every possibility. Covenant belonging refines. It comes early and stays late. It is unselfish. It works miracles. It gives voice to His love in time and eternity (p. 91)."
"When exercised with gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned, God's priesthood and His ordinances sweeten relationships on earth and can seal covenant relationships in heaven (p. 91)."
"When we are 'sanctified in Christ... in the covenant of the Father,' all things can work together for our good. As we honor our covenants, we may sometimes feel we are in the company of angels. And we will be--those who love and bless us on this and the other side of the veil. In covenant belonging, we strengthen each other in our Savior's love, thereby coming to love God and each other more (p. 92)."
"Covenant belonging is to come and see face to face, knowing even as we are known... Covenant belonging is to hope all things... is to keep the faith. It is not to give up on ourselves, on each other, nor on God. Covenant belonging is to delight with those who delight and to rejoice with those who rejoice. It is to bear one another's burdens, to mourn with those who mourn, to comfort those who stand in need of comfort. It is to stand as witnesses of God's tender mercies and daily miracles 'at all times and in all things, and in all places' (p. 93)."
"With hosanna and hallelujah, we celebrate the living Jesus Christ--the Shepherd and the Lamb... 'Praise ye the Lord'... 'Save now' (p. 95)."
"Jesus Christ lives--not only then, but now; not just for some, but for all. He calls, gathers, ministers, and strengthens. He restores, forgives, delivers and redeems, and covenants. As we come to Jesus Christ, His redeeming promises offer hope, no matter our past, our present, or concerns for our future. He is our hosanna and hallelujah (p. 95)."
"Palm leaves are a traditional, sacred symbol to express joy in our Lord... On Palm Sunday, the faithful recognized Jesus entering Jerusalem as fulfillment of prophecy (p. 96)."
"In the book of Revelation, those who praise God and the Lamb do so 'clothed with white robes and palms in their hands.' The March 27, 1846, Kirtland Temple dedicatory prayer likewise looks forward to the day when we 'may ever be with the Lord,' with pure garments, 'clothed upon with robes of righteousness, with palms in our hands, and crowns of glory upon our heads' (p. 98)."
"Easter Sunday marks the pivotal point, central in time and eternity, in God's eternal plan of happiness. Easter marks the triumphal fulfillment of Jesus Christ's life, ministry, and divine mission, culminating in His Atonement and Resurrection and all they imply and encompass (p. 98)."
"'Jesus Christ came to pay a debt He didn't owe, because we owed a debt we couldn't pay' (Russell M. Nelson, p. 100)."
"Restoration scripture includes joyful instruction to declare truth 'with a sound of rejoicing, crying--Hosanna, hosanna, blessed be the name of the Lord God!' (p. 101)"
"I love that the joyous 'Hosanna! Hosanna! Hosanna!' can praise God and the Lamb with full volume and full reverence at the same time (p. 103)."
"In the daily details and simple things, we can see great things brought to pass in our lives and in the unfolding blessings of God's children everywhere because of the Shepherd and the Lamb (p. 105)."
April 1, 2024
We were given this book for Easter and on our way home we ended up on the side of the road with a flat tire, so we got to read it right away. It’s a great reminder of so many ways we can appreciate and apply the atonement of Jesus Christ. I especially loved the last chapter about covenants and the conclusion about Hosanna and Hallelujah. I learned that while hallelujah is about praises, hosanna means “save us”. The former involves tears of joy while the latter is more tears of longing and desperation. We shout hallelujah BECAUSE he answers our hosannas. He saves us.
This year I have a goal to better understand and focus on my covenants. This book described them in a way that helped me realize that my covenants are all around me. “It is to stand as witness of God’s tender mercies and daily miracles….” “Eternal covenants can bring the power of God’s love—to give hope and increase love; to lift and transform; to edify and strengthen; to redeem and exalt.”
I wanted to remember this: “While baptism and other sacred ordinances are outwardly the same for each of us, they call and personally connect us by our individual name with the sacred name of Jesus Christ.”
This was my favorite quote from the book: “Jesus Christ promises not simply to restore what was, but what should be. Through His every good gift and grace, we can look forward to the restoration and restitution of what a loving, almighty God would wish us to have.”
This year I have a goal to better understand and focus on my covenants. This book described them in a way that helped me realize that my covenants are all around me. “It is to stand as witness of God’s tender mercies and daily miracles….” “Eternal covenants can bring the power of God’s love—to give hope and increase love; to lift and transform; to edify and strengthen; to redeem and exalt.”
I wanted to remember this: “While baptism and other sacred ordinances are outwardly the same for each of us, they call and personally connect us by our individual name with the sacred name of Jesus Christ.”
This was my favorite quote from the book: “Jesus Christ promises not simply to restore what was, but what should be. Through His every good gift and grace, we can look forward to the restoration and restitution of what a loving, almighty God would wish us to have.”
April 29, 2025
What a wonderful little book so chock full of wonderful words. The first part is The Good Shepherd. Jesus Christ shepherds us as his sheep. He is our Good Shepherd. The chapters are: He Calls, He Gathers, He Ministers, and He Strengthens.
The last part is The Lamb of God. Jesus Christ took upon us our sins. He was the sacrificial Lamb of God who died for each of us. What a wonderful analogy. The last 4 chapters are He Restores, He Forgives, He Delivers and Redeems and He Covenants. And the conclusion ends gloriously with Hosanna and Hallelujah. Hosanna means "Save Now." Hallelujah means "Praise Ye the Lord."
This is a book that can be read anytime, but mainly it is a great read at Easter time. The 2 chapters I enjoyed the most were He Covenants and the conclusion Hosanna and Hallelujah.
The last part is The Lamb of God. Jesus Christ took upon us our sins. He was the sacrificial Lamb of God who died for each of us. What a wonderful analogy. The last 4 chapters are He Restores, He Forgives, He Delivers and Redeems and He Covenants. And the conclusion ends gloriously with Hosanna and Hallelujah. Hosanna means "Save Now." Hallelujah means "Praise Ye the Lord."
This is a book that can be read anytime, but mainly it is a great read at Easter time. The 2 chapters I enjoyed the most were He Covenants and the conclusion Hosanna and Hallelujah.
March 14, 2024
This tender little book is filled with wonderful references to covenants, hope, and the saving grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Elder Gong himself says, "As our Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ succors and saves."
This book is an invitation to each of us to discover how coming to Jesus Christ fires our faith, hopes, and spiritual imagination, how it lends perspective to our lived experiences and our faith-filled future.
Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world. This book is affirming of this in a beautiful, tender way.
Elder Gong himself says, "As our Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ succors and saves."
This book is an invitation to each of us to discover how coming to Jesus Christ fires our faith, hopes, and spiritual imagination, how it lends perspective to our lived experiences and our faith-filled future.
Jesus Christ is the light and life of the world. This book is affirming of this in a beautiful, tender way.
February 24, 2025
i loved this book! such a short and sweet testament of our Savior. i loved how Elder Gong said “Jesus Christ lives-not only then, but now; not just for some, but for all. He calls, gathers, ministers, and strengthens. He restores, forgives, delivers and redeems, and covenants. As we come to Jesus Christ, His redeeming promises offer hope, no matter our past, our present, or concerns for our future. He is our hosanna and hallelujah.”
April 8, 2024
"Sometimes only possible through Jesus Christ, forgiveness liberates. Sometimes only possible in Jesus Christ, hope frees us from the past to have a future." I loved this new book from Elder Gerrit W. Gong. It's a quick read, but certain parts I read more slowly so I could really think on it. Definitely one that I would like to read over again sometime.
February 27, 2025
A short, but doctrinally-rich discussion of the roles of Christ as the Shepherd and the Lamb. It is wonderful as a devotional pick-me-up, but is rich in pointing at possibilities for study, contemplation, and in-depth engagement with aspects of our Savior's life. Elder Gong's gentleness shines through in each phrase page after page.
November 2, 2025
This was a beautiful book that helped me to learn more about my Savior Jesus Christ. It helped me to feel more of His love and goodness! It helped me to feel more faith and hope in my future which is in His hands. I love my Savior and am so grateful for books like this that strength my belief in Jesus!
May 15, 2024
Elder Gong has a style reminiscent of Richard G. Scott or Neal A. Maxwell. It's nice to be reminded of Christ's role as a provider, and also of the humility we are meant to emulate. I appreciate Elder Gong's insights and observations.
June 2, 2024
Hosanna & Hallelujah
Elder Gong's short book discusses joe Jesus is both the Shepherd and the Lamb. I recommend it for members of the LDS Church. Christ is the Shepherd because he leads us and protects us. He is the Lamb because he gave his life for us.
Elder Gong's short book discusses joe Jesus is both the Shepherd and the Lamb. I recommend it for members of the LDS Church. Christ is the Shepherd because he leads us and protects us. He is the Lamb because he gave his life for us.
June 3, 2024
A testament of the Lamb of God
I feel so blessed to be able to have my eyes filled with the spirit in understanding the fullness of the phrase "The Lamb of God". Our savior is the lamb who is also the shepherd watching over the children of God. He is one and the same.
I feel so blessed to be able to have my eyes filled with the spirit in understanding the fullness of the phrase "The Lamb of God". Our savior is the lamb who is also the shepherd watching over the children of God. He is one and the same.
September 16, 2024
I think this is the first book I’ve read by Elder Gong and I could hear his voice as I read. I’ve never thought about the connection between Jesus being the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God. I am grateful He knows me and everyone personally and that we can have covenant belonging through Him.
April 6, 2025
I loved reading Elder Gong’s testimony of the Savior, and how he explained His roles in our lives. I’m so grateful that the Savior forgives, delivers, covenants. I could hear Elder Gong’s gentle voice in the text. A great book when we need to hear an encouraging voice.
February 3, 2024
I was able to read this before the release date- what a great book! It is a reminder of the importance of our Savior in every aspect of our lives!
February 23, 2024
Any book that testifies of Jesus Christ is a winner in my eyes. 🥰
March 2, 2024
I’m grateful for my savior and all that he is and does to fulfill his role and shepherd.
April 1, 2024
Beautiful book!
April 30, 2024
Elder Gong's lovely explanations of how Christ is both the Shepherd and the Lamb was beautiful. It strengthened my faith.
May 30, 2024
My “car book”, loved it.
My favorite line from the book:
“Jesus Christ came to pay a debt He didn’t owe, because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay”
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
My favorite line from the book:
“Jesus Christ came to pay a debt He didn’t owe, because we owed a debt we couldn’t pay”
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
July 4, 2024
Just a very nice little book that was written in Elder Gong's engaging style.
July 18, 2024
Libby. A good book on Jesus Christ when he is the Shepherd and when he is the lamb.
Want to read
August 23, 2024Book Club 2024/25
October 23, 2024
Excellent book. One of my favorites I have ever read! Made me feel more hopeful and closer to Jesus Christ
February 9, 2025
Though this is full of positive, uplifting thoughts, I so wanted Elder Gong to delve deeper into the subjects. It's a very short book; making it full length would have allowed him to flesh out his ideas. I wasn't always sure what he meant, and I usually wanted to ask questions. It's a good topic; I just wanted more.
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