The Remnant and the Testimony of Jesus
Does God have an identifiable end-time people?
Revelation describes a remnant against whom the dragon wages war, characterized by keeping God’s commandments and holding the testimony of Jesus. Revelation later explains the testimony of Jesus as the spirit of prophecy. Adventists understand these texts as part of their identity and mission, while recognizing that membership in an institution never guarantees faithfulness and that God has sincere people far beyond Adventism.
Reformation principle. A remnant claim is a responsibility to embody the biblical characteristics, not a license for superiority.
Read the biblical evidence
- Revelation 12:17The remnant keep God’s commandments and have the testimony of Jesus.
- Revelation 19:10The testimony of Jesus is identified with the spirit of prophecy.
- John 10:16Jesus speaks of other sheep who will hear His voice and become one flock.
Examine the challenge
The grammatical relationship between Revelation 12:17 and 19:10 does not by itself prove that one modern denomination exclusively fulfills the remnant motif.
Check the evidence
- The 28 Fundamental BeliefsSeventh-day Adventist Church
What should an end-time identity claim produce?
- Pride
- Greater accountability to Scripture and mission
- Isolation from everyone else