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The Bible word “remnant” is used frequently, and means, “rest, residue, ... remainder” (Brown-Driver-Briggs, p. 984). At times, this word described the people of God. For example, God called His people a “remnant” on several occasions (Isa. 10:20-22, 37:4; Jer. 23:3; Joel 2:32; Amos 5:15; Micah 2:12, 4:7, 5:7-8; Zeph. 2:7, 9, 3:13; Zech. 8:12; Rom. 9:27, 11:5). God called the survivors of the Babylonian captivity the “remnant” (Amos 5:15; Micah 2:12) when they returned to their homes to rebuild what had been destroyed so they could start anew (See: Ezra, Nehemiah).

That God’s spiritual people are the remnant, or few, is a truth seen throughout the Scriptures (Isa. 10:20-22; Joel 2:32; Micah 5:7-8; Zeph. 3:13; Rom. 9:24-27). In this case, the word “remnant” referred to those who remained faithful to God in the face of persecution and pressure placed upon them to leave the Lord. When Christ was on earth, He said the many are headed for destruction, while the few are headed toward eternal life (Matt. 7:13-14). On one occasion, Christ was asked, “Lord, are there few that be saved?” (Lk. 13:23-24). Obviously, someone was listening to Christ (Lk. 13:22), and saw the contrast between Christ’s teaching and what most people were doing. 

Today, it is no different. Though many describe themselves as “Christians,” there are few who truly are Christians as God describes. Some claim to be “Christians,” but have not submitted to the Lord’s plan for salvation (Mk. 16:16). Many today have the mistaken idea that if you believe in God, are reasonably good, and don’t get into a lot of legal trouble, then you are a Christian. This is not right. Too, some claim to be “Christians” while belonging to a denomination. They have been fooled. It takes more than mere religious affiliation to be a Christian in the eyes of God. Based upon this, we know that the majority of those claiming to be Christians are not so. Yes, God’s people are the remnant, the few, just as He said long ago!

By God referring to His people as a “remnant,” He teaches us that not everyone will accept the Lord’s plan of salvation. Therefore, I need to learn what pleases Him, and obey (Matt. 7:21; Rev. 22:14). We read of a “remnant” in Romans 11:5, who are likened to the “remnant” in Elijah’s day (Rom. 11:4; I Kings 19:18). What made those 7000 stand out? They had not “bowed the knee to the image of Baal.” In other words, they continued to be faithful to God. The apostle Paul then says, “Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” Are you among the “remnant”?

Just as in Bible days, there is now a remnant of God’s people. It is those who willingly submit to the will of God in all things! If we refuse to “bow the knee” to the various gods of this world; if we turn and lovingly obey the Father (Acts 2:38); we can be a part of this “remnant.” Let us not allow anything to stand between us and being right in the sight of God. Today is the day of salvation (II Cor. 6:2). Friend, are you among God’s remnant? Are you a Christian (Acts 11:26)? If not, what is hindering you (Acts 8:36)?

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-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167