Test 25: The Remnant and Commandment-Keeping
Phase 6: Present Application
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The Central Question Before Us
Who are the "remnant" of Revelation, and what characteristics identify them? Does commandment-keeping — including Sabbath observance — define God's end-time faithful people?This question brings together the threads of our investigation. Revelation identifies a specific group as God's faithful people in the last days — the "remnant." Understanding their identifying characteristics is essential for discerning where truth and duty lie in the present age.
⚖️ Preliminary Matter: The Concept of a "Remnant"
UK — Interpreting Terms by Established Usage:
When a term has an established meaning in a body of literature, that meaning governs.The "remnant" concept in Scripture:
The Hebrew word she'erit (שְׁאֵרִית) and related terms refer to "that which remains" — a surviving portion of a larger group.
Old Testament usage:Isaiah 10:20-22 — "The remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God."
Micah 2:12 — "I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel."
Zephaniah 3:13 — "The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies."The pattern: Throughout Scripture, the "remnant" represents the faithful minority who remain loyal to God when the majority have apostatised.
The Two Positions Under Examination
- PART 1: THE REMNANT IN REVELATION
Section 1.1: Revelation 12:17 — The Remnant Identified
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."The applicable legal principle:
UK — Identifying Characteristics:
When a group is identified by specific characteristics, those characteristics define the group.Analysis:
| Element | Meaning |
|---|---|
| "The dragon" | Satan (Revelation 12:9) |
| "The woman" | God's people/church through history |
| "The remnant of her seed" | The final generation of the faithful |
| "Keep the commandments of God" | First identifying characteristic |
| "Have the testimony of Jesus" | Second identifying characteristic |
- Commandment-keeping — they "keep the commandments of God"
- The testimony of Jesus — "the spirit of prophecy" (Revelation 19:10)
The remnant is not identified merely by profession of faith or general piety. They are identified by specific characteristics: commandment-keeping and the testimony of Jesus.
Finding: Revelation 12:17 explicitly identifies the remnant by their commandment-keeping. This is a defining characteristic, not an incidental one.Section 1.2: Revelation 14:12 — The Patience of the Saints
Revelation 14:12 — "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."The applicable legal principle:
UK — Repetition for Emphasis:
When a characteristic is repeated, it is emphasised as essential.Context:
This verse follows immediately after the most solemn warning in Scripture — the warning against receiving the mark of the beast (Revelation 14:9-11). In contrast to those who receive the mark, verse 12 identifies those who refuse it.
The saints are identified by:- "The patience of the saints" — hupomonē (ὑπομονή) — endurance, perseverance under trial
- "Keep the commandments of God" — maintaining fidelity to divine law
- "The faith of Jesus" — trusting faith like Jesus had, or faith in Jesus
| Revelation 12:17 | Revelation 14:12 |
|---|---|
| "Keep the commandments of God" | "Keep the commandments of God" |
| "Have the testimony of Jesus" | "The faith of Jesus" |
Section 1.3: What "Commandments of God" Means
UK — Technical Terminology:
When a phrase has a consistent technical meaning, that meaning governs.The Greek phrase: tas entolas tou theou (τὰς ἐντολὰς τοῦ θεοῦ) How is this phrase used in Scripture?
| Reference | Usage |
|---|---|
| Matthew 15:3 | Jesus defends "the commandment of God" against human tradition |
| Matthew 19:17 | "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments" |
| Mark 7:8-9 | "The commandment of God" vs. "tradition of men" |
| Mark 10:19 | Jesus lists commandments from the Decalogue |
| 1 John 5:2-3 | "This is the love of God, that we keep his commandments" |
| Claimed Meaning | Problem |
|---|---|
| "General Christian ethics" | Too vague; doesn't match biblical usage |
| "Love God and neighbour" | These summarise the Decalogue; don't replace it |
| "New Testament commands" | Revelation uses Old Testament terminology |
Section 1.4: The Sabbath Included
UK — Inclusio:
When a set is referred to as a whole, all elements are included unless explicitly excluded.The Ten Commandments include the fourth:
Exodus 20:8-11 — "Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy..."The remnant "keep the commandments of God." The Sabbath is one of the commandments of God. Therefore, the remnant keep the Sabbath. No exclusion is stated:
Nowhere in Revelation (or elsewhere in Scripture) is the fourth commandment explicitly excluded from "the commandments of God." The burden of proof would fall on any who claim the Sabbath is not included.
Finding: The remnant's commandment-keeping includes the fourth commandment — the Sabbath. There is no basis for excluding it.- PART 2: THE REMNANT'S DISTINGUISHING MARKS
Section 2.1: Commandment-Keeping in Context
The applicable legal principle:UK — Contextual Significance:
The context in which a characteristic is mentioned reveals its importance.The context of commandment-keeping in Revelation:
| Passage | Context |
|---|---|
| Revelation 12:17 | Satan's war against God's people — commandment-keeping identifies his targets |
| Revelation 14:12 | Contrast with mark of the beast — commandment-keeping identifies those who refuse it |
| Revelation 22:14 | Entrance to the city — commandment-keeping is the condition |
- Conflict (the dragon's war)
- Distinction (contrasted with beast worshippers)
- Eternal consequence (access to the tree of life)
Section 2.2: The Testimony of Jesus
Revelation 12:17 — "...and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Revelation 19:10 — "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."The applicable legal principle:
UK — Interpreting by Definition:
When a text defines a term, that definition governs.Revelation defines "the testimony of Jesus" as "the spirit of prophecy." What is the spirit of prophecy?
The prophetic gift — the manifestation of prophecy among God's people. The remnant are characterised by:
- Commandment-keeping
- The presence of the prophetic gift
Various Christian movements have claimed the prophetic gift. The test of any prophet is consistency with Scripture (Isaiah 8:20; Deuteronomy 13:1-4).
Finding: The remnant has two marks: commandment-keeping and the spirit of prophecy. Both must be present to identify the true remnant.Section 2.3: The Faith of Jesus
Revelation 14:12 — "...and the faith of Jesus."The applicable legal principle:
UK — Grammatical Analysis:
The grammar of a phrase determines its meaning.Two possible meanings:
- Faith IN Jesus — objective genitive — trusting faith in Jesus as Saviour
- Faith OF Jesus — subjective genitive — the kind of faith Jesus had
The remnant have:
- Saving faith in Jesus (trust in His merits)
- Christ-like faith (trusting the Father as Jesus did)
The remnant are not legalists trying to earn salvation by commandment-keeping. They have "the faith of Jesus" — saving faith in Christ. But their faith is not lawless; it produces obedience — they "keep the commandments of God."
James 2:17-18 — "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works."Finding: The remnant combine faith and obedience — the faith of Jesus AND keeping the commandments of God. Neither alone suffices.
- PART 3: THE REMNANT THROUGH HISTORY
Section 3.1: The Faithful Minority Pattern
The applicable legal principle:UK — Historical Pattern:
Consistent patterns through history illuminate present application.Throughout biblical history, the faithful have been a "remnant":
| Period | Majority | Remnant |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-Flood | Corrupt world | Noah and family (8 people) |
| Sodom | Wicked city | Lot and daughters |
| Elijah's time | Baal worship dominant | 7,000 who hadn't bowed (1 Kings 19:18) |
| Babylonian captivity | Nation exiled | Faithful few (Daniel, etc.) |
| Christ's time | Religious establishment opposed Him | Small group of disciples |
| Apostolic era | Growing apostasy | Those who held "the faith once delivered" |
| Middle Ages | Church corruption | Waldenses, Lollards, etc. |
| Reformation | Catholic domination | Reformers |
Section 3.2: The End-Time Remnant
UK — Specific vs. General:
Specific prophecies address specific situations.Revelation's remnant is specifically end-time:
Revelation 12:17 — The dragon makes war with the remnant after the 1260-day period (12:6, 14) — i.e., in the last days.
Revelation 14:12 — The saints are identified in the context of the three angels' messages and the mark of the beast — end-time events.The end-time context means:
- The remnant exists when the mark of the beast is an issue
- The remnant faces the final conflict over worship
- The remnant's commandment-keeping is tested by persecution
Section 3.3: Identifying the Remnant Today
UK — Application of Criteria:
When identifying criteria are given, they must be applied.The biblical criteria for the remnant:
| Criterion | Revelation Reference |
|---|---|
| Keep the commandments of God | 12:17; 14:12 |
| Have the testimony of Jesus (spirit of prophecy) | 12:17; 19:10 |
| Have the faith of Jesus | 14:12 |
| Endure with patience | 14:12 |
| Refuse the mark of the beast | 14:9-11 (by contrast) |
The true remnant will be characterised by:
- Keeping ALL the commandments — including the fourth (Sabbath)
- The presence of the prophetic gift — consistent with Scripture
- Saving faith in Jesus — not works-based legalism
- Endurance under trial — remaining faithful despite opposition
- PART 4: OBJECTIONS CONSIDERED
Objection 1: "All Christians are the remnant"
The applicable legal principle:UK — Specific Criteria Must Be Met:
When specific criteria are given, general categories don't suffice.Response:
If "all Christians" were the remnant, the specific criteria would be meaningless. Why would Revelation emphasise "keep the commandments of God" if this didn't distinguish the remnant from others?
The criteria exist precisely because not all who profess Christianity meet them. The remnant is a subset — those who specifically keep the commandments and have the testimony of Jesus.
Objection 2: "Commandments means love God and neighbour"
UK — Interpreting by Usage:
Terms must be interpreted by how they are used in context.Response:
"Love God and neighbour" is Jesus's summary of the law (Matthew 22:37-40), but it does not replace the specific commandments. Jesus Himself said:
Matthew 22:40 — "On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."
The two great commandments are the principle; the Ten Commandments are the application. You cannot love God while violating His commands (1 John 5:2-3).
The "commandments of God" in Revelation uses the same phrase used elsewhere for the Decalogue.
Objection 3: "This creates an exclusive, arrogant group"
UK — Truth vs. Tone:
The manner of presenting truth doesn't affect its validity.Response:
The remnant concept is not human invention — it is biblical revelation. Revelation identifies specific characteristics; we must honestly acknowledge what they are.
Humility is essential:- The remnant is not saved by commandment-keeping but by grace through faith
- Membership is not based on human effort but on divine calling
- Anyone who hears the call can respond and be part of the remnant
Objection 4: "Seventh-day Adventists claim to be the remnant — isn't that presumptuous?"
UK — Testing Claims by Criteria:
Claims must be evaluated against stated criteria.Response:
Any group claiming remnant identity must be tested against Revelation's criteria:
- Do they keep the commandments of God — including the Sabbath?
- Do they have the testimony of Jesus — the spirit of prophecy?
- Do they have saving faith in Jesus?
- Do they endure with patience?
The question is not "who claims to be the remnant?" but "who meets the biblical criteria?"
- PART 5: FINAL ASSESSMENT
The Evidence Weighed
The applicable legal principle:*UK — Re H (Minors) [1996]:
The balance of probability — more likely than not.Summary:
| Issue | Finding |
|---|---|
| Revelation 12:17 | Remnant identified by commandment-keeping |
| Revelation 14:12 | Saints identified by commandment-keeping |
| "Commandments of God" | Refers to the Decalogue (biblical usage) |
| Sabbath included | Fourth commandment is part of "commandments" |
| Testimony of Jesus | Spirit of prophecy — second identifying mark |
| Faith of Jesus | Saving faith — not legalism |
| Historical pattern | Remnant = faithful minority throughout history |
| End-time context | Remnant exists during mark of the beast crisis |
- # CONCLUSION AND VERDICT
Summary of Findings
| Issue | Finding |
|---|---|
| Revelation 12:17 | Remnant keeps "the commandments of God" |
| Revelation 14:12 | Saints keep "the commandments of God" |
| Definition | "Commandments of God" = Ten Commandments |
| Sabbath | Included as fourth commandment |
| Second mark | "Testimony of Jesus" = spirit of prophecy |
| Faith required | "Faith of Jesus" — not salvation by works |
| Context | End-time crisis — mark of the beast |
| Application | Remnant keeps the seventh-day Sabbath |
The Verdict
Revelation explicitly and repeatedly identifies God's end-time faithful people — the remnant — by their commandment-keeping:This is not exclusivism; it is biblical identification. God has revealed the marks of His faithful people. Those who wish to be part of the remnant must meet the criteria — not by earning salvation, but by responding to God's call in faith and obedience.
Revelation 14:12 — "Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."Key Texts Reference
| Topic | Text |
|---|---|
| Remnant identified | Revelation 12:17 |
| Saints identified | Revelation 14:12 |
| Commandment-keeping for life | Revelation 22:14 |
| Testimony of Jesus defined | Revelation 19:10 |
| Faith and works | James 2:17-18 |
| Love = keeping commandments | 1 John 5:2-3 |
| Call to come out | Revelation 18:4 |
Greek Terms Reference
| Greek | Transliteration | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| λοιπός | loipos | "loy-POS" | remaining, remnant |
| ἐντολή | entolē | "en-toh-LAY" | commandment |
| μαρτυρία | marturia | "mar-too-REE-ah" | testimony, witness |
| ὑπομονή | hupomonē | "hoo-poh-moh-NAY" | patience, endurance |
| πίστις | pistis | "PIS-tis" | faith |
Legal Authorities Cited
United Kingdom
| Authority | Citation | Principle |
|---|---|---|
| Re H (Minors)* | [1996] AC 563 | Standard of Proof |