The Identity of "The Remnant" of Revelation 12
(This Bible Study is an extension of "The Testimony of Jesus Christ" study)
Only two characteristics are given in Revelation 12 to identify “the remnant” in verse 17:
The remnant “keep the commandments of God" and
the remnant “have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
The remnant “keep the commandments of God" and
the remnant “have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Since “the commandments of God” are easily and positively identified in Exodus 20:1-17, this characteristic is simple to recognize and apply in identifying “the remnant” of Revelation, and since the vast majority of modern Christian denominations and independent Evangelical churches have retained the false Catholic teaching of Sunday sacredness, most Christians are thus eliminated from being any part of “The Remnant” of Revelation, because they do not adhere to the fourth Commandment in keeping the seventh-day Sabbath (Saturday) holy. Therefore, “The Remnant” must be among Christian Sabbatarian believers.
The second characteristic of having “the testimony of Jesus Christ” also needs to be identified and applied. To this endeavor, we must confidently answer: What is “the testimony of Jesus Christ"?
The second characteristic of having “the testimony of Jesus Christ” also needs to be identified and applied. To this endeavor, we must confidently answer: What is “the testimony of Jesus Christ"?
If you have already studied "The Testimony of Jesus Christ,"
scroll down to "The Spirit of Prophecy" section.
scroll down to "The Spirit of Prophecy" section.
The Testimony of Jesus Christ
The phrase, “the testimony of Jesus Christ (along with “the testimony of Jesus”) is found only 5 times in the King James Version of the Bible. All 5 times it is found in the book of Revelation: 1:2, 1:9, 12:17, and occurring twice in 19:10. A study of these verses in context should explain the meaning of the term.
Revelation 1:1-2 – The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
‘The Revelation of Jesus Christ’ (the last book of the Bible), which God (the Father) gave unto him (Jesus Christ, the Son of God), to shew (reveal) unto his servants (devoted followers) things which must ‘shortly’ come to pass (things that will occur within a definite future period of time, not necessarily in ‘close proximity’ to the writing of the book, 95 AD); and he (Jesus Christ) X signified it (used symbols > symbolic language) and sent it by his angel (Gabriel) unto his servant John (the beloved Apostle): Who (John) bare record of (documented) the word of God (as in the book of Revelation), and of (which is to say) the testimony of Jesus Christ (as in the book of Revelation), and of (which is to say) all things that he (John) saw [in vision] (which is what he wrote that became the book of Revelation).
This first verse (1:2) containing the phrase, “the testimony of Jesus Christ” clearly associates it as one of three alternative “titles” to the book of Revelation: 1) “The Word of God” (which God gave to Jesus Christ), 2) “The Testimony of Jesus Christ” (which Christ ‘signified’ into a vision of symbols and gave to His angel, Gabriel, to deliver to John the Apostle), and 3) All Things that He (John) Saw” (which John documented as the book of Revelation and sent it to the ‘seven’ churches).
So far, we have the impression that “The Testimony of Jesus Christ” may refer directly to the book of Revelation itself. Let us review the other verses containing the same phrase to see if our understanding is consistent and accurate.
Revelation 1:9 – I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
I John, who also am your brother (in Christ), and companion in tribulation (difficulty, hardship, persecution), and in the kingdom (of Grace) and patience (long-suffering, endurance) of Jesus Christ, was in (on) the isle (island) that is called Patmos, for [the purpose of receiving] the word of God, and (which is to say) for [the purpose of receiving] the testimony of Jesus Christ (the two different terms referring to the same thing).
The reasons why it is appropriate for us to interpret the word “for” as being “for the purpose of” instead of the more common understanding, as in “because of,” include the following:
1. The specific terms John used to describe what he received through the chain of command or possession in verse 1: God > Jesus Christ > Gabriel > John, being “the word of God” and (which is to say) “the testimony of Jesus Christ” (the two terms identifying the same thing), he uses specifically again only a few verses later, and he uses the terms in the same sequence. John would not use the same terms to refer to different things, as in the first time referring to what he received and the second time referring to what caused his exile.
2. Everyone knew then and everyone knows now why John was exiled to the Island of Patmos. He did not need to explain that fact, and it was not his style to attract sympathy towards himself. In fact, even though he was the much loved and honored remaining Apostle of Christ and the long-time top leader of the Christian church, he identifies himself in v9 using the humble, connecting term “your brother.” John would not use the same terms one time to refer to what he received and another time (just a paragraph later) to refer to his obvious situation.
3. The reason why John was exiled to Patmos (a Roman penal colony) was not because he was “spreading the gospel” as many assume the terms refer. Even if the reason for his exile was because he was “spreading the gospel,” John would not have likely used the generic term for (because of) “the word of God” or the otherwise unique term for (because of) “the testimony of Jesus Christ.” If he wanted to emphasize the mistakenly assumed reason that he was exiled, John would have used other more appropriate and accurate terms. These terms used to describe “for spreading the gospel” makes it sound like John was blaming God and Jesus Christ for being exiled to Patmos or that he was warning his fellow believers to stop spreading the gospel, or else they will be exiled, too!
4. The true reason why John was exiled to Patmos from a human perspective was not for “spreading the gospel,” but rather more specifically because he was the leader of the Christian faith and was being made an example for not pledging his allegiance to Caesar by burning incense to him in an act of worship. Rome actually tolerated many other religions, as long as worship to their god, Caesar, was also practiced.
5. By using these terms to explain the purpose for (not the cause of) his exile to Patmos, John was explaining from a spiritual perspective how God can use the worst of situations to be a blessing to His people (Romans 8:28). Even though it appeared to humans that the Romans had dealt a costly blow to the Christian movement, John wanted to impress upon them that God was in control and able to use their temporary loss of his leadership for their eternal gain, and one which would benefit all believers through the centuries to follow, that being, John’s opportunity to receive the book of Revelation from God while he was exiled.
6. John uses the terms to describe the book of Revelation as being “the word of God” by way of it also being “the testimony of Jesus Christ,” not just John’s words coming to them as from their exiled leader. John wanted his fellow believers to take the book of Revelation most seriously as it was directly from God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and to understand that his being exiled was used to advance and strengthen the Christian movement and God's plan of salvation.
If indeed the term, “the testimony of Jesus Christ” refers here in Revelation 1:9 to be “the book of Revelation,” it would be consistent with the understanding of the same term in Revelation 1:2. Let’s continue our study...
The next time John uses the term, “the testimony of Jesus Christ,” he uses it as one of only two characteristics that are intended to identify “The remnant” of Revelation. Let’s see if our current understanding of the term fits this verse, as well...
Revelation 12:17 - 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.
And the dragon (Papal Rome under the control of Satan) was wroth (angry, furious, frustrated) with the woman (the true Christian church, including the “church in the wilderness” and the growing Protestant churches that developed out of the Reformation), and went to make (prepare, develop plans for) war (a greater and more decisive enforcement of Catholic traditions and dogma) with the remnant (the remaining and relatively few faithful believers who do not succumb to the papacy’s corrupting religious influence throughout the world. The papacy has been maneuvering to regain her civil powers through the union of the global Roman Catholic church with confederated state powers religious faiths around the world.) of her (the true church’s) seed (the true believers of the very Last Days, just before probation closes, the plagues fall, and Christ returns – the Last Generation of true believers who will be translated), which [who] keep (honor and obey) the commandments of God (all 10 of the Commandments, including the seventh-day Sabbath, Saturday, instead of the papacy’s false day of worship on Sunday) and have (possess, understand, live) the testimony of Jesus Christ.
If we apply what we learned in Revelation 1:2 and 1:9 regarding the term, “the testimony of Jesus Christ,” to the context here in Revelation 12:17, we clearly see that having “the testimony of Jesus Christ” means having “a personal understanding and application of the truth found in the book of Revelation.”
So here, where John does not give any clues regarding what “the testimony of Jesus Christ” is, our working definition of it, so far in our study, fits perfectly. It makes total sense here and throughout the book so far that “the testimony of Jesus Christ” is the book of Revelation! The only question now is in identifying who has a personal understanding and is demonstrating a personal application of the book of Revelation in their lives?
Now let’s see if we can further clarify and confirm our understanding that “the testimony of Jesus Christ” is “the book of Revelation” by looking at the last verse where the term occurs twice...
After witnessing the final judgement of the great whore (Papal Rome), described in Revelation 18:6-24, and then sharing in the celebration over that wicked and destructive antichrist power being brought to an end, described in Revelation 19:1-9, John records his reaction to it all in verse 10.
Revelation 19:10 – And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
And I (John) fell at his (the angel Gabriel’s) feet to worship him (Gabriel). And he (Gabriel) said unto me (John), See (understand, make sure) thou (you, John) do it not (do not worship me): I (Gabriel) am thy (your) fellowservant (I am only a servant of God/Christ, like you are), and [I am] of thy (your) brethren that have (possess, understand) the testimony of Jesus (the book of Revelation that Gabriel was sent to deliver to John, escort him through the visions, and to make sure he understands their meaning, which is – bottom line): worship God (God the Father, and God the Father only): for (because) the testimony of Jesus (this book and its meanings that are being shown to you) is the spirit of prophecy (the truth sent from God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son to all the believers then and throughout “the time of the end” (the entire gospel dispensation, from Christ’s ascension until His return).
This is an amazing development. John was so overwhelmed with joy and excitement by the demise of the future deceiving antichrist power that he fell before his accompanying angel to worship him. John was shown in vision nearly 2,000 years ago what we may see very soon in our lifetime with our own eyes – but no one seems to know much about it.
There is one more related verse in the book of Revelation that parallels one of the verses with the term of our study. It is actually a repeat of Revelation 19:10, where John recounts his experience of overwhelming joy from witnessing in vision the final victory of Christ, His angels, and the Saints.
Let’s see if this second recording of the same event can add anything to our understanding, but first let’s make sure we see it in context.
The visions that John recorded, “of all things that he saw” (Revelation 1:2) describing to us “the time of the end” start at Revelation 1:10b and conclude at Revelation 22:6a (the designations of chapters and verses were added to the Scriptures in 1227 and although very helpful, they were not inspired). In addition to the written recordings of his visions, John wrote a prologue (Chapter 1:1-10a) and an epilogue (Chapter 22:6b-10 and 22:18-21).
John’s first two uses of the term “the testimony of Jesus Christ” is in his prologue (Revelation 1:2,9), and then in his epilogue (Revelation 22:6a-10), John recounts his experience of mistakenly worshipping the angel after he, Gabriel, uses the term twice to explain why John should not worship him, but his descriptions of that same experience are slightly different.
Revelation 22:8-9 – And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
And I John saw these things, and heard them (saw and heard all the visions that had been shown to him and that he had recorded). And when I had heard and [had] seen [these things] (past perfect tense, in contrast to the present tense used in Revelation 19:9-10 describing the event when it happened), I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things (which occurred when I was in vision). Then (in sequence of recalling these past events shown him when he was in vision) X he (the angel, Gabriel) saith unto me (John), See thou do it not (Do not worship me!): for (because) I (Gabriel) am thy fellowservant (I am a servant of God/Christ, just like you.), and of thy brethren (true believers) the prophets (Who?), and (which is to say) of them which keep (obey) the sayings of this book (the messages in the book of Revelation): worship God (and God only!).
John uses the phrase: "the sayings of this book" (the book of Revelation) here in Revelation 22:9 in parallel to the phrase he used previously in Revelation 19:10 describing the same event: "the testimony of Jesus."
Revelation 1:1-2 – The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.
‘The Revelation of Jesus Christ’ (the last book of the Bible), which God (the Father) gave unto him (Jesus Christ, the Son of God), to shew (reveal) unto his servants (devoted followers) things which must ‘shortly’ come to pass (things that will occur within a definite future period of time, not necessarily in ‘close proximity’ to the writing of the book, 95 AD); and he (Jesus Christ) X signified it (used symbols > symbolic language) and sent it by his angel (Gabriel) unto his servant John (the beloved Apostle): Who (John) bare record of (documented) the word of God (as in the book of Revelation), and of (which is to say) the testimony of Jesus Christ (as in the book of Revelation), and of (which is to say) all things that he (John) saw [in vision] (which is what he wrote that became the book of Revelation).
This first verse (1:2) containing the phrase, “the testimony of Jesus Christ” clearly associates it as one of three alternative “titles” to the book of Revelation: 1) “The Word of God” (which God gave to Jesus Christ), 2) “The Testimony of Jesus Christ” (which Christ ‘signified’ into a vision of symbols and gave to His angel, Gabriel, to deliver to John the Apostle), and 3) All Things that He (John) Saw” (which John documented as the book of Revelation and sent it to the ‘seven’ churches).
So far, we have the impression that “The Testimony of Jesus Christ” may refer directly to the book of Revelation itself. Let us review the other verses containing the same phrase to see if our understanding is consistent and accurate.
Revelation 1:9 – I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.
I John, who also am your brother (in Christ), and companion in tribulation (difficulty, hardship, persecution), and in the kingdom (of Grace) and patience (long-suffering, endurance) of Jesus Christ, was in (on) the isle (island) that is called Patmos, for [the purpose of receiving] the word of God, and (which is to say) for [the purpose of receiving] the testimony of Jesus Christ (the two different terms referring to the same thing).
The reasons why it is appropriate for us to interpret the word “for” as being “for the purpose of” instead of the more common understanding, as in “because of,” include the following:
1. The specific terms John used to describe what he received through the chain of command or possession in verse 1: God > Jesus Christ > Gabriel > John, being “the word of God” and (which is to say) “the testimony of Jesus Christ” (the two terms identifying the same thing), he uses specifically again only a few verses later, and he uses the terms in the same sequence. John would not use the same terms to refer to different things, as in the first time referring to what he received and the second time referring to what caused his exile.
2. Everyone knew then and everyone knows now why John was exiled to the Island of Patmos. He did not need to explain that fact, and it was not his style to attract sympathy towards himself. In fact, even though he was the much loved and honored remaining Apostle of Christ and the long-time top leader of the Christian church, he identifies himself in v9 using the humble, connecting term “your brother.” John would not use the same terms one time to refer to what he received and another time (just a paragraph later) to refer to his obvious situation.
3. The reason why John was exiled to Patmos (a Roman penal colony) was not because he was “spreading the gospel” as many assume the terms refer. Even if the reason for his exile was because he was “spreading the gospel,” John would not have likely used the generic term for (because of) “the word of God” or the otherwise unique term for (because of) “the testimony of Jesus Christ.” If he wanted to emphasize the mistakenly assumed reason that he was exiled, John would have used other more appropriate and accurate terms. These terms used to describe “for spreading the gospel” makes it sound like John was blaming God and Jesus Christ for being exiled to Patmos or that he was warning his fellow believers to stop spreading the gospel, or else they will be exiled, too!
4. The true reason why John was exiled to Patmos from a human perspective was not for “spreading the gospel,” but rather more specifically because he was the leader of the Christian faith and was being made an example for not pledging his allegiance to Caesar by burning incense to him in an act of worship. Rome actually tolerated many other religions, as long as worship to their god, Caesar, was also practiced.
5. By using these terms to explain the purpose for (not the cause of) his exile to Patmos, John was explaining from a spiritual perspective how God can use the worst of situations to be a blessing to His people (Romans 8:28). Even though it appeared to humans that the Romans had dealt a costly blow to the Christian movement, John wanted to impress upon them that God was in control and able to use their temporary loss of his leadership for their eternal gain, and one which would benefit all believers through the centuries to follow, that being, John’s opportunity to receive the book of Revelation from God while he was exiled.
6. John uses the terms to describe the book of Revelation as being “the word of God” by way of it also being “the testimony of Jesus Christ,” not just John’s words coming to them as from their exiled leader. John wanted his fellow believers to take the book of Revelation most seriously as it was directly from God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and to understand that his being exiled was used to advance and strengthen the Christian movement and God's plan of salvation.
If indeed the term, “the testimony of Jesus Christ” refers here in Revelation 1:9 to be “the book of Revelation,” it would be consistent with the understanding of the same term in Revelation 1:2. Let’s continue our study...
The next time John uses the term, “the testimony of Jesus Christ,” he uses it as one of only two characteristics that are intended to identify “The remnant” of Revelation. Let’s see if our current understanding of the term fits this verse, as well...
Revelation 12:17 - 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.
And the dragon (Papal Rome under the control of Satan) was wroth (angry, furious, frustrated) with the woman (the true Christian church, including the “church in the wilderness” and the growing Protestant churches that developed out of the Reformation), and went to make (prepare, develop plans for) war (a greater and more decisive enforcement of Catholic traditions and dogma) with the remnant (the remaining and relatively few faithful believers who do not succumb to the papacy’s corrupting religious influence throughout the world. The papacy has been maneuvering to regain her civil powers through the union of the global Roman Catholic church with confederated state powers religious faiths around the world.) of her (the true church’s) seed (the true believers of the very Last Days, just before probation closes, the plagues fall, and Christ returns – the Last Generation of true believers who will be translated), which [who] keep (honor and obey) the commandments of God (all 10 of the Commandments, including the seventh-day Sabbath, Saturday, instead of the papacy’s false day of worship on Sunday) and have (possess, understand, live) the testimony of Jesus Christ.
If we apply what we learned in Revelation 1:2 and 1:9 regarding the term, “the testimony of Jesus Christ,” to the context here in Revelation 12:17, we clearly see that having “the testimony of Jesus Christ” means having “a personal understanding and application of the truth found in the book of Revelation.”
So here, where John does not give any clues regarding what “the testimony of Jesus Christ” is, our working definition of it, so far in our study, fits perfectly. It makes total sense here and throughout the book so far that “the testimony of Jesus Christ” is the book of Revelation! The only question now is in identifying who has a personal understanding and is demonstrating a personal application of the book of Revelation in their lives?
Now let’s see if we can further clarify and confirm our understanding that “the testimony of Jesus Christ” is “the book of Revelation” by looking at the last verse where the term occurs twice...
After witnessing the final judgement of the great whore (Papal Rome), described in Revelation 18:6-24, and then sharing in the celebration over that wicked and destructive antichrist power being brought to an end, described in Revelation 19:1-9, John records his reaction to it all in verse 10.
Revelation 19:10 – And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
And I (John) fell at his (the angel Gabriel’s) feet to worship him (Gabriel). And he (Gabriel) said unto me (John), See (understand, make sure) thou (you, John) do it not (do not worship me): I (Gabriel) am thy (your) fellowservant (I am only a servant of God/Christ, like you are), and [I am] of thy (your) brethren that have (possess, understand) the testimony of Jesus (the book of Revelation that Gabriel was sent to deliver to John, escort him through the visions, and to make sure he understands their meaning, which is – bottom line): worship God (God the Father, and God the Father only): for (because) the testimony of Jesus (this book and its meanings that are being shown to you) is the spirit of prophecy (the truth sent from God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son to all the believers then and throughout “the time of the end” (the entire gospel dispensation, from Christ’s ascension until His return).
This is an amazing development. John was so overwhelmed with joy and excitement by the demise of the future deceiving antichrist power that he fell before his accompanying angel to worship him. John was shown in vision nearly 2,000 years ago what we may see very soon in our lifetime with our own eyes – but no one seems to know much about it.
There is one more related verse in the book of Revelation that parallels one of the verses with the term of our study. It is actually a repeat of Revelation 19:10, where John recounts his experience of overwhelming joy from witnessing in vision the final victory of Christ, His angels, and the Saints.
Let’s see if this second recording of the same event can add anything to our understanding, but first let’s make sure we see it in context.
The visions that John recorded, “of all things that he saw” (Revelation 1:2) describing to us “the time of the end” start at Revelation 1:10b and conclude at Revelation 22:6a (the designations of chapters and verses were added to the Scriptures in 1227 and although very helpful, they were not inspired). In addition to the written recordings of his visions, John wrote a prologue (Chapter 1:1-10a) and an epilogue (Chapter 22:6b-10 and 22:18-21).
John’s first two uses of the term “the testimony of Jesus Christ” is in his prologue (Revelation 1:2,9), and then in his epilogue (Revelation 22:6a-10), John recounts his experience of mistakenly worshipping the angel after he, Gabriel, uses the term twice to explain why John should not worship him, but his descriptions of that same experience are slightly different.
Revelation 22:8-9 – And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. 9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.
And I John saw these things, and heard them (saw and heard all the visions that had been shown to him and that he had recorded). And when I had heard and [had] seen [these things] (past perfect tense, in contrast to the present tense used in Revelation 19:9-10 describing the event when it happened), I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things (which occurred when I was in vision). Then (in sequence of recalling these past events shown him when he was in vision) X he (the angel, Gabriel) saith unto me (John), See thou do it not (Do not worship me!): for (because) I (Gabriel) am thy fellowservant (I am a servant of God/Christ, just like you.), and of thy brethren (true believers) the prophets (Who?), and (which is to say) of them which keep (obey) the sayings of this book (the messages in the book of Revelation): worship God (and God only!).
John uses the phrase: "the sayings of this book" (the book of Revelation) here in Revelation 22:9 in parallel to the phrase he used previously in Revelation 19:10 describing the same event: "the testimony of Jesus."
Revelation 19:10
I am thy fellowservant and of thy brethren
that have the testimony of Jesus.
=
I am thy fellowservant and of thy brethren
which keep the sayings of this book.
Revelation 22:9
I am thy fellowservant and of thy brethren
that have the testimony of Jesus.
=
I am thy fellowservant and of thy brethren
which keep the sayings of this book.
Revelation 22:9
This parallelism clearly and directly defines what “the testimony of Jesus Christ” is. It is the book of Revelation.
The Spirit of Prophecy
Also in his epilogue (v22:9), John adds the term “the prophets” as being among those who understand and apply the messages recorded in the book of Revelation. This could give us another piece of evidence to help identify “The Remnant” referred to in Revelation 12:17.
Like every other time-prophecy that is recorded in the Bible, God not only raised up a prophet to declare the time-prophecy at the time that the prophecy was to start, but He also raised up another prophet years or centuries later at the time that the prophecy was to be understood and/or fulfilled, who could guide God's people regarding that now "present truth."
Amos 3:7 – Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
John 13:19 – Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
This added clue given by John in his epilogue about a true prophet in “the time of the end” strongly suggests that “The Remnant” of Revelation in “The Last Days” will not only be Sabbatarians (among the group of people which “keep the commandments of God,” including the fourth commandment, keeping the seventh-day Sabbath holy unto the Lord), but also that God will raise up a prophet from among those Sabbatarians when the book of Revelation needs to be clearly understood, who will be able to explain the symbolism in its biblical context and its salvational relevance.
Now the final question: Is there a group of people who keep the seventh-day Sabbath and claim to have a true prophet, a messenger from God, who demonstrates the gift of prophecy by explaining not only the events of the last days described in the book of Revelation, but who can also explain the significance of those events for the true believers to understand, apply, and fulfill the prophecy regarding their salvation just before Christ returns?
The answer to this question is simple: Yes, the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, which has been enormously blessed by the 70-year, inspired, prophetic ministry of Ellen G. White, d1915. But there is a catch. The SDA Church is NOT “The Remnant Church,” because “The Remnant” of Revelation is NOT a church.
After studying the ministry of Ellen G. White and confirming the veracity of her gift of prophecy with the biblical tests of a true prophet, and after eliminating all the other professed prophets in the 'last days' (since 1798) using the same biblical tests, Ellen G. White stands alone and far above.
However, SDA's be warned, one of EG White’s last predictions was that IF the SDA church as a denomination was to change its principles of belief, which were solidly established by faithful Bible believers within the first few years of her ministry (soon after the Great Disappointment of 1844), and which were thoroughly proven and maintained under the guiding inspiration of a genuine prophet in their midst for 70 years without changing a jot or a tittle. IF any of those principles of belief were to be changed, or discarded as error, the SDA church would become a different organization and would adopt false teachings.
If this process of corruption was to take place (which it has to a great extent, perhaps irreversibly, over the past 100 years), the whole structure (the corporate SDA church as a denomination) would be swept away by storm and tempest.
But, God is good. “The Remnant” individuals who “keep the commandments of God” (are Sabbatarians) and “have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (have a clear understanding of the book of Revelation in order to safely navigate the troublous times of the Last Days) will be the true seventh-day worshippers and second advent preparers. They will endure to the end. Each one, individually, willing and able to stand by the grace of Christ in truth and spirit for the glory of God. (John 4:23)
And, if other Christian believers learn and accept “the present truth” for these “Last Days,” which are found in the book of Revelation, they, too, will be counted as individuals among “The Remnant.” They would be in effect true “seventh-day adventists” who are God-fearing, Bible-believing individuals that fellowship with like-minded Protestant-Christian groups consisting of other individuals from any or no church affiliation, including Evangelicals, Catholics, non-Christians (Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu’s, and Jews), and even former Atheists, because they will have received the love of the Truth and will be saved! (2 Thessalonians 2:1-17)
There is much wonderful Bible truth to learn, and many untruths from church tradition and human philosophy to unlearn, but time is running short. Now is the day of salvation. (John 14:6; Jeremiah 29:13; 2 Corinthians 6:1-18)
Like every other time-prophecy that is recorded in the Bible, God not only raised up a prophet to declare the time-prophecy at the time that the prophecy was to start, but He also raised up another prophet years or centuries later at the time that the prophecy was to be understood and/or fulfilled, who could guide God's people regarding that now "present truth."
Amos 3:7 – Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
- Paraphrased: Our loving God the Father will certainly not do anything or let anything happen that would catch His people off-guard or unready. So, He tells us, through a special believer by giving that person the inspired gift of prophecy, as He promised He would do, what we need to know about the future and how to prepare for it. This is the way that God builds our faith to secure our salvation.
John 13:19 – Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he.
- Paraphrased: I, Jesus, am telling you now, long before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe that I am He, the Son of God, who sent me, and whose words I speak and works I do.
This added clue given by John in his epilogue about a true prophet in “the time of the end” strongly suggests that “The Remnant” of Revelation in “The Last Days” will not only be Sabbatarians (among the group of people which “keep the commandments of God,” including the fourth commandment, keeping the seventh-day Sabbath holy unto the Lord), but also that God will raise up a prophet from among those Sabbatarians when the book of Revelation needs to be clearly understood, who will be able to explain the symbolism in its biblical context and its salvational relevance.
Now the final question: Is there a group of people who keep the seventh-day Sabbath and claim to have a true prophet, a messenger from God, who demonstrates the gift of prophecy by explaining not only the events of the last days described in the book of Revelation, but who can also explain the significance of those events for the true believers to understand, apply, and fulfill the prophecy regarding their salvation just before Christ returns?
The answer to this question is simple: Yes, the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, which has been enormously blessed by the 70-year, inspired, prophetic ministry of Ellen G. White, d1915. But there is a catch. The SDA Church is NOT “The Remnant Church,” because “The Remnant” of Revelation is NOT a church.
After studying the ministry of Ellen G. White and confirming the veracity of her gift of prophecy with the biblical tests of a true prophet, and after eliminating all the other professed prophets in the 'last days' (since 1798) using the same biblical tests, Ellen G. White stands alone and far above.
However, SDA's be warned, one of EG White’s last predictions was that IF the SDA church as a denomination was to change its principles of belief, which were solidly established by faithful Bible believers within the first few years of her ministry (soon after the Great Disappointment of 1844), and which were thoroughly proven and maintained under the guiding inspiration of a genuine prophet in their midst for 70 years without changing a jot or a tittle. IF any of those principles of belief were to be changed, or discarded as error, the SDA church would become a different organization and would adopt false teachings.
If this process of corruption was to take place (which it has to a great extent, perhaps irreversibly, over the past 100 years), the whole structure (the corporate SDA church as a denomination) would be swept away by storm and tempest.
But, God is good. “The Remnant” individuals who “keep the commandments of God” (are Sabbatarians) and “have the testimony of Jesus Christ” (have a clear understanding of the book of Revelation in order to safely navigate the troublous times of the Last Days) will be the true seventh-day worshippers and second advent preparers. They will endure to the end. Each one, individually, willing and able to stand by the grace of Christ in truth and spirit for the glory of God. (John 4:23)
And, if other Christian believers learn and accept “the present truth” for these “Last Days,” which are found in the book of Revelation, they, too, will be counted as individuals among “The Remnant.” They would be in effect true “seventh-day adventists” who are God-fearing, Bible-believing individuals that fellowship with like-minded Protestant-Christian groups consisting of other individuals from any or no church affiliation, including Evangelicals, Catholics, non-Christians (Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu’s, and Jews), and even former Atheists, because they will have received the love of the Truth and will be saved! (2 Thessalonians 2:1-17)
There is much wonderful Bible truth to learn, and many untruths from church tradition and human philosophy to unlearn, but time is running short. Now is the day of salvation. (John 14:6; Jeremiah 29:13; 2 Corinthians 6:1-18)
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