Down through the ages, by turning away from God and the truth, the successive churches have basically failed. Nevertheless, each of them has had her own claim to infallibility. The Jewish church, despite the fact that she refused to receive the light, still believes that the promises of God belong to her. The Roman Catholic Church still teaches that she is the holy church. And the Protestant denominations still act as if they stood in God’s unalterable favor. In such blindness, these bodies cannot see that the candlestick has been removed from them.
As a nation, the Jews were God’s people, and as such, they received conditional prophetic promises. But as they proved to be unfaithful, God rejected them. “The Lord says, ‘Shall I not visit for these things?’ Jeremiah 5:9. Because they failed of fulfilling God’s purpose, the children of Israel were set aside, and God’s call was extended to other peoples. If these too prove unfaithful, will they not in like manner be rejected?” 1
A serious question arose in the days of Paul. By rejecting the Jews as a nation, did God reject His people? The answer is: NO. God never rejects His people. He only rejects those who cease to be His people (Romans 11:1-5, 12, 15). The default of the Jews changed their status before God. Paul explains the distinction between the professed children of Abraham and the true children of Abraham: “Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.” Romans 9:6, 7. “And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:29. Only a faithful few, who accepted Christ, rightfully maintained their status as children of Abraham and children of God. This new situation was predicted by Isaiah: “Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.” Romans 9:27. “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant,” says the apostle Paul in Romans 11:5. It was with reference to this remnant that the apostle wrote: “I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid.” Romans 11:1. Christ addressed this remnant when He said, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32. It was of the remnant that Christ had been born (Rev. 12:1, 2). This was the remnant to whom God’s prophetic promises were transferred (Luke 20:16).
What is a remnant? Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “a remainder, a small fragment, a surviving trace, residue, yet last.” What, then, would be a remnant church? The last church that is left at the end time of God’s church on earth. The word “remnant” has been used throughout the Bible, signifying the remaining part. The Lord promised to “set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people.” Isaiah 11:11. The word “remnant” is used 82 times in the holy Bible in much the same way to denote the remaining part of everything. “Speak . . . to the remnant of the people,” 1 Kings 12:23. “[I] will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam.” 1 Kings 14:10. “The remnant . . . is escaped of the house of Judah.” 2 Kings 19:30. “Out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant.” 2 Kings 19:31.
The biblical concept of the remnant deals with any group of faithful people who endure trials, apostasy, persecution, or some form of calamity. Noah and his immediate family survived the flood. A remnant came out of Ur of the Chaldees with Abraham. Israel was scattered by false pastors in B.C. 559, and a remnant was gathered (Jeremiah 6:1-4, 8, 9). The grace of God leaves a remnant (Ezra 9:8). He never forsakes His people. “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” Romans 11:5.
While in exile, the aged apostle John, rapt in holy vision, stood gazing upon the changing representation of the great arena of world history. As he peered into the future, he caught glimpses of the loyal people of God near the close of time, as recorded in the various symbolic scenes. The last day church, “the remnant of her seed” was explained to him. He saw the intensity of the conflict. As he looked closely, he observed that this church was keeping the commandments of God (Rev. 12:17). He saw that it had special guidance from God through the Spirit of Prophecy. “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17. In Revelation 19:10 we read that “the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
It is not just the beliefs of the remnant that constitute their identity and strength, but the quality of their religious experience. Integrity and pure conduct—the fruit of intimate fellowship with Christ—distinguish the remnant from the mass. The remnant experience is joyful religion, expressed in unselfish labor for the salvation of others.
There are a few points by which the remnant church is identified. They keep all the commandments of God (Rev. 12:17; 14:12). They have the Spirit of Prophecy (compare Rev. 12:17 and Rev. 19:10). It takes both commandment keeping and the gift of prophecy to constitute the remnant church; one without the other would be only half truth. God’s remnant church honors the commandments of God, and observes them, not in any legalistic sense, but as a revelation of the character of God and of Christ, who, through the Holy Spirit, dwells in the heart of the true believer. God’s commandments reflect His character and describe His righteous standard. Jesus lived to show us what God is like. In His strength, we are able to obey God and reflect His image. “The commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus are united. They are to be clearly presented to the world.” 2
The remnant people build on the sure foundation (1 Cor. 3:11). That foundation is identified with the truth (1 Tim. 3:15). And the truth is identified with God (John 14:6; 17:7). “Today the remnant people of God are to glorify His name by proclaiming the last message of warning, the last invitation to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The only way in which they can fulfill God’s expectations is by being representatives of the truth for this time.” 3
“The remnant people of God must be a converted people. The presentation of this message is to result in the conversion and sanctification of souls. We are to feel the power of the Spirit of God in this movement. This is a wonderful, definite message; it means everything to the receiver, and it is to be proclaimed with a loud cry. We must have a true, abiding faith that this message will go forth with increasing importance till the close of time.” 4
“They will turn from every idol that binds them to earth, and will ‘worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.’ They will free themselves from every entanglement and will stand before the world as monuments of God’s mercy. Obedient to the divine requirements, they will be recognized by angels and by men as those that have kept ‘the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.’ ” 5
“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” John 17:21. The church ought to heed the voice of the angel who has said to the church, “press together.” In unity is your strength. Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous. God and Christ have declared, “The gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18. The messengers whom the Lord sends bear the divine credentials. Please read Ephesians 1:4, 5, 9-11; 2:9. The Father sets His love upon His elect people who live among men. These are the people whom Christ has redeemed by the price of His blood; and because they respond to the drawing of Christ, they are elected to be saved. Upon them is manifested the free grace of God, the love wherewith He has loved them. Everyone who will humble himself as a little child, who will receive and obey the Word of God with a child’s simplicity, will be among the elect of God.
God is leading out a people to stand in perfect unity upon the platform of eternal truth. “Some have advanced the thought that, as we near the close of time, every child of God will act independently of any religious organization. But I have been instructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every man’s being independent. The stars of heaven are all under law, each influencing the other to do the will of God, yielding their common obedience to the law that controls their action. And, in order that the Lord’s work may advance healthfully and solidly, His people must draw together.” 6
As we near the close of time, instead of feeling that there is less need of order and harmony of action, we should be more systematic than ever before. All our work should be conducted according to well-defined plans. Now is the time to lay up our treasure in heaven, to set our heart in order, ready for the time of trouble. Those only who have clean hands and pure hearts will stand in that trying time. Now is the time for the law of God to be in our minds and written in our hearts, crowding out worldly thoughts and cares. We are to live and act wholly in reference to the coming of the Son of man.
God is teaching, leading and guiding His people, that they may teach, lead and guide others. There will be, among the remnant of these last days, as with ancient Israel, those who wish to move independently, who are not willing to submit to the teachings of the Spirit of God, and who will not listen to advice or counsel. Let such ever bear in mind that God has a church upon the earth, to which He has delegated power. Men will want to follow their own independent judgment, despising counsel and reproof, but just as surely as they do this, they will depart from the faith, and disaster and the ruin of souls will follow. Those who rally now to support and build up the truth of God, are ranging themselves on one side, standing united in their heart, mind and voice, in defense of the truth; while those who do not labor in harmony of purpose and action, who choose their own unsanctified human judgment as perfection of action, are ranging themselves on the side of Satan, and are defending his cause. The servant of the Lord says, “I tell you, my brethren, the Lord has an organized body through whom He will work.” 7 “The Lord in His wisdom has arranged that by means of the close relationship that should be maintained by all believers, Christian shall be united to Christian, and church to church. Thus the human instrumentality will be enabled to cooperate with the divine. Every agency will be subordinate to the Holy Spirit, and all the believers will be united in an organized and well-directed effort to give to the world the glad tidings of the grace of God.” 8 When the believers are one with Christ the living vine, the result is that they are united among themselves, full of sympathy and tenderness and love toward one another. The remnant people respect one another as brethren (Matthew 23:8). They love one another with the love of Christ (John 13:5).
God’s remnant people have no connection with the fallen denominations (Rev. 14:4; 18:4) and are separate from the world (John 17:14, 15). Many professed Christians are well represented by a vine that is trailing upon the ground and entwining its tendrils around whatever rubbish that lies in the path. To all such ones, the message comes, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthi-ans 6:17, 18. We are to separate ourselves from the world, and refuse to touch those things that will separate our affections from God. It is impossible for you to unite with those that are corrupt, and still remain pure. “There is a wall of separation which the Lord Himself has established between the things of the world and the things He has chosen out of the world and sanctified unto Himself. The calling and character of God’s people are peculiar, their prospects are peculiar, and these peculiarities distinguish them from all other people.” 9 They are not defiled with women (Rev. 14:4). They have no connection with the fallen churches.
The church should preach the everlasting gospel (Rev. 14:6), “and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Matthew 24:14. The remnant ought to appeal to the honest members of other religious systems to follow the Lord (Rev. 18:4). Jesus said, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” John 10:16.
Besides preaching the last warning message, the church should be ready for the coming of the Bridegroom (Matt. 25:10). The church in these last days is to be the light of the world that is polluted and demoralized by sin. The church, enfeebled and defective, needing to be reproved, warned and counseled, is the only object upon which Christ bestows His supreme regard.
The existence of those who love and keep the commandments of God is most offensive to the synagogue of Satan, and the power of evil will manifest its aversion to them to the fullest extent possible. The forces of darkness will unite with human agents who have given themselves into the control of Satan. Yet the remnant standing under the bloodstained banner of Christ will become overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. “[God] has given us a tongue, and we are accountable to Him for its use. We should glorify God with our mouth, speaking in honor of the truth and of His unbounded mercy, and overcome by the word of our testimony through the blood of the Lamb.” 10 God’s goodness and His power should be made known. “I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.” Isaiah 43:12.
“All who receive Christ as a personal Saviour are to demonstrate the truth of the gospel and its saving power upon the life. God makes no requirement without making provision for its fulfillment. Through the grace of Christ we may accomplish everything that God requires. All the riches of heaven are to be revealed through God’s people.” 11 “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be My disciples.” John 15:8.
The church of Christ is God’s agency for the proclamation of truth; she is empowered by Him to do a special work, and if she is loyal to God, obedient to His commandments, and true to her allegiance, there is no power that can stand against her.
The Lord desires that the third angel’s message be carried forward with increased efficiency. As He has worked in all ages to give victories to His people, so in this age He longs to carry to a triumphant fulfillment the work entrusted to the remnant—to advance unitedly going from strength to greater strength, with increased assurance and confidence in the truth and righteousness of His cause.
There is before the remnant the dawn of a bright, glorious day, if she will put on the robe of Christ’s righteousness, withdrawing from all allegiance to the world. God calls upon His faithful ones who believe in Him, to speak courageously to those who are unbelieving and hopeless. God is leading out His chosen people, His church on earth, whom He has made depositaries of His law. He has committed to its members a sacred trust and eternal truth to be given to the world. He reproves and corrects His people, counseling them to buy of Him gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and to anoint their eyes with eyesalve (Rev. 3:18-21). Jesus is coming to give the individual members of the church His richest blessings, if they will open the door for Him to enter in.
God calls His remnant to active warfare, to stand firm in the battle (Gal. 4:29) and share the gospel with the world. The church is called militant, not because it employs violent means to fulfill its commission, but because its spiritual life and endeavors have repeatedly brought it into conflict with the ruling powers of darkness. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12. This warfare is not a hostile encounter with our fellow humans, but rather the conquest of self, the subduing of our heart to God’s love. This is the hardest battle we can wage and the noblest victory we can win. The Lord can make us more than conquerors (Rom. 8:37).
The remnant people contend earnestly for the faith that was once delivered unto the saints. They are to stand up for the truth as it is in Jesus and help rescue others from the enemy’s camp. The servant of the Lord says, “The battle is yours. No one can fight it for you. Others can pray for you, but the work must be wholly your own.” 12
Let us fight bravely for Christ, maintaining that which is just and right in every transaction, striving for victory over our own inclinations. The Lord will help us by His Holy Spirit to be circumspect in every action. We must put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:10-18). We are to consecrate our entire lives to Him without reservation. Only by unconditional surrender to Christ can we overcome the wiles of Satan. “Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith. If one is a follower of Christ, he cannot be sharp in deal, he cannot be hardhearted, devoid of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in his speech. He cannot be full of pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, nor can he use harsh words, and censure and condemn.” 13
The warfare against self is the greatest battle that was ever fought. The yielding of self, surrendering all to the will of God, requires a struggle; but we must submit to God before we can gain the victory.
Paul looked forward to the final victory predicted in Genesis 3:15, which is not far off. This ultimate triumph over the forces of evil is foreshadowed by every victory over temptations experienced by the remnant. The valor of God’s faithful witnesses, who braved privations, persecutions and death is beyond human estimate. God strengthens mortals who love Jesus and His word beyond all else, to perform deeds of omnipotence for the advancement of His kingdom.
The saints are triumphant, not on their own account, but because of the victory won by Christ on Calvary. The close connection between righteousness and victory is that both are symbolized by white garments. The battle is against sin. Christ’s righteousness has won the victory. Therefore, by abiding in His strength, repentant sinners can live a life of righteousness, and become victorious.
Not in our learning, not in our position, not in our numbers or entrusted talents, not in the will of man is to be found the secret of success. Feeling our inefficiency, we are to contemplate Christ, and through Him who is the strength of all strength, the thought of all thought, if we are willing and obedient we will gain victory after victory. Every member of His remnant church must manifest the same qualities, if we are to be part of the church triumphant. God wants us to be victors, not victims; to grow, not grovel; to soar, not sink; to overcome, not be overwhelmed.
In this antitypical day of atonement, God calls His remnant to a work of purification with deep heart-searching, repentance, and humiliation (James 4:5-10).
The remnant church is to undergo a true reformation, a change in ideas and theories, habits and practices. With our consent and cooperation, God wants to wash us, make us clean, and remove all our evil doings and tendencies. If we ever attain holiness, it will be through the renunciation of self and reception of the mind of Christ. Pride and self-sufficiency must be crucified. Until we are willing to be transformed, God cannot be manifested in us. We must let Christ dwell in our hearts by faith, and be always conscious of the presence of God. Then the unbelieving multitude, seeing that God is with His people, will unite us in the truth, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
“The fountain of the heart must be purified before the streams can become pure. He who is trying to reach heaven by his own works in keeping the law is attempting an impossibility. There is no safety for one who has merely a legal religion, a form of godliness. The Christian’s life is not a modification or improvement of the old, but a transformation of nature. There is a death to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This change can be brought about only by the effectual working of the Holy Spirit.” 14
When the Spirit takes possession of the heart, (1) it transforms the life; (2) sinful thoughts are put away; (3) evil deeds are renounced; (4) love, humility and peace take the place of anger, envy and strife; (5) joy takes the place of sadness and (6) the countenance reflects the light of heaven. The blessings come when by faith the soul surrenders itself to God. Every remnant believer must purify his soul through obedience to the truth, and with an eye single to exalt Jesus and His grace.
“Let us, as the peculiar people of God, elevate the standard of Christian character, lest we come short of the reward that will be given to the good and the faithful. Our probation will soon be ended. We must work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. It is those who hold fast the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end, that will receive the crown of immortal glory. Those who make so exalted a profession of truth must answer for the intrusted capital. Simplicity, purity, forbearance, benevolence, and love should characterize our Christian experience. We must labor continually, by study of the Scriptures and earnest prayer, to keep ourselves unspotted from the world.” 15
Are we willing to pay the price required of us? Are we willing to have our will brought into perfect conformity to the will of God? Until we are willing, the transformation of God cannot be manifested in us. God used one man in the wilderness to stir up a nation. Soon He will use His faithful remnant church to move the world. If we determine to be among the faithful few, we must make a speedy preparation now. Upon us rests the weighty responsibility of warning the world of its coming doom. God calls upon His church to arise, and be clothed with power from Him. Let us all arise, shine, and accept His power from above to transform our characters after the heavenly similitude. Amen.