29. The Remnant Church
April 2007
Topics:
The Remnant Church
What is the Church?
God’s Last Message
The Loud Cry
The 144,000 and the Seal of God
The Seal and the Sabbath
What Does it Mean to be Sealed?
The Hour of His Judgment has Come
The New World of North America provided a refuge for the persecuted of all lands. There was freedom of religion and churches multiplied and grew in strength. Missionaries were sent to all lands, supported by liberal offerings by the people. A benign government "of the people, by the people, and for the people" did not favor any church or religion, allowing them to follow their conscience without interference.
The result was that the United States of America became the most religious nation on earth. More people willingly attended church in this country than any other. This was in the providence of God and now He was ready to act again. The great Advent Awakening led by William Miller began in 1833 and reached a crescendo on October 22, 1844. Miller based his message on the study of Daniel 8:14 "Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed." He calculated this prophecy to end October 22, 1844. There were great expectations that Jesus would return to earth on that date to claim the redeemed.
Needless to say, the date came and went and Jesus did not come. This has been termed "the great disappointment." The Millerites were crushed and became the butt of ridicule. What went wrong? Reexamination of the calculations only served to confirm the date; the time did end October 22, 1844. The movement broke up into a number of Advent bodies who held varying views on the meaning of their experience.
One group, probably one of the smallest, held that the date was correct, but that the event was misinterpreted. The sanctuary to be cleansed was not the earth but rather the heavenly sanctuary. October 22, 1844 marked the beginning of the great anti-typical day of atonement. Also called the investigative judgment. This event was fore-shadowed in type in Leviticus chapter 16; 23:27-32; prophesied as a judgment in Daniel 7:9-14, 26, 27; 8:13, 14; and the conclusion pictured in Revelation 20:15.
A small group of these Adventists were challenged by Rachel Preston, a Seventh-day Baptist. After Bible study, they became convinced that the Seventh day was still the Sabbath of the Lord. Joseph Bates, a retired ship captain, energetically promoted this doctrine until it was generally accepted and became a cardinal doctrine of the church.
Other events were developing at this time. Ellen Harmon, a frail young girl of fifteen began to receive visions and messages from God for the church. Her messages were always practical and led to one success after another in the growth of the church.
The Adventists were characterized by their very literal approach to the Bible, except where the context plainly indicated that the passage was symbolic.
A "church" is a Biblical institution. It is not a building and not a set of doctrines only. In the protestant tradition it is the congregation, the body of believers, the bride of Christ. In other bodies, the value of the head of the church and of the hierarchy assumes more importance. Then there are those who decry any organization at all. The early Adventists were of this latter group. There was strong resistance to organization. But churches were being built, institutions (publishing houses, schools, and a hospital) were developing. There also needed to be an organization to maintain order and to keep a focus on the accepted message of the church. It was in 1863 that the church finally agreed on organization. The name Seventh-day Adventist was chosen to emphasize their two distinctive doctrines.
When a person finds a church body whose teachings are in accord with his convictions, to him this is "the church." He will usually join this church by some form of baptism. This is called the "church visible." It isn’t long before one notes that there are also non-committed persons attending that church; and at the same time true hearted believers are in other churches. True believers are termed the "church invisible (John 10:16; Ephesians 4:4-5). One might add a third category named the remnant church (Revelation 12:17) or the "church prophetic."
Revelation 12:17 indicates that the remnant church will "keep the commandments of God" and "have the testimony of Jesus." Revelation 19:10 further explains "for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." From this Adventists point to the ministry of Ellen G. Harmon/ White as the "spirit of prophecy."
Adventists have been severely criticized for this stand. Critics will say that the canon of Scripture was closed and there will be no more prophets. Adventists will point to 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; Ephesians 4:11; and Joel 2:28, 29 showing that prophets are expected in the end time. Critics will say that her writings are used to interpret the Bible. Adventists will deny this; stating that while Ellen White has given guidance as to the correct understanding of scripture in some cases, in the overall picture, if there is any discrepancy between the Bible and her writings, the Bible is to be accepted as the truth. There has been no end to attacks of a more personal nature.
Overall, Adventists will recommend that a person simply read what she wrote. Her writings will be found to be practical, easily understood and positive. In keeping with the "spirit of prophecy" they will point to Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and Lord.
God had a specific purpose for the remnant church. This is the last church before Jesus comes again (Revelation 12:17). This is also the "last generation" from whom are drawn those who will live to see Jesus come again. They will give God’s last message to a perishing world. This is a special privilege and requires a unique experience.
The end time message of this church has been described in several ways. It has been described as the Elijah message:
5 "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD:
6 "And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (Malachi 4:5-6).
Elijah was the prophet of God in the time of Ahab and Jezebel. The northern kingdom of Israel were in deep apostasy with frank and open idolatry. Elijah confronted Ahab in his court with the judgment of God, "there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word" (1 Kings 17:1). His message was a call to repentance. This came to a focus on Mount Carmel where God demonstrated His power to answer prayer. After the people chose again to recognize the true God, the rain came.
John the Baptist came as the fore-runner of Jesus the Messiah. His message, "Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 3:2) was given in the spirit and power of Elijah to an unbelieving nation. Jesus confirmed John’s mission, "This is Elias, which was for to come" (Matthew 11:14). "Elijah", with an end-time message of repentance is to come again just before Jesus comes the second time (Malachi 4:5,6).
Revelation 14:6-12 also describes the end time message as the "three angels messages." There is first the announcement of the judgment. God’s people are to "afflict their souls" (Leviticus 16:29, 30). Each person must search his own soul, if there is sin to confess, he must confess, ask forgiveness, and receive cleansing (1 John 1:9).
The first angel called men everywhere to worship God as Creator. The original creation week concluded with the establishment of the seventh-day Sabbath rest. This has been enshrined within the ten commandment law as a memorial to creation. All aspects of the Everlasting Covenant and the plan of salvation rest on the foundation of God as our Creator.
The second message is a warning that in the religious world there is confusion. Further, when churches ask the state for legislation to support their doctrines and money to support their institutions, the bride has sought another lover and is guilty of "fornication."
Thirdly there is a warning against the mark of the beast. Judgment is pronounced because the world has chosen the mark of the beast. In contrast are the saints who "keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."
These three messages are the message of the Remnant Church, and will continue to the end of time. Some have accused the Adventist church of exclusiveness in holding that these messages are God’s unique messages for the end time. One must note, however, that these messages are in the Bible, and that the Bible is the province of all the Christian churches. God will welcome and accept all who preach His message "Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us" (Luke 9:51).
Satan has attacked these messages and the messengers. He has managed to blunt the effectiveness of these messages so that many have not heard them. Too many have closed their ears to the word of God, and have chosen rather to follow the traditions of men. But God is merciful and is longsuffering, and will save every true child of His. Jesus says, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring" (John 10:16)
The time will come when God will arise and finish His work. "For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth" (Romans 9:28). The purposes of God know no haste and no delay. His word will accomplish what He has set out to do.
"So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it" (Isaiah 55:11).
Before the end, rebellion will have reached such a depth that God must act. Too many of the popular churches have given up the spirit of their founders. In some churches strange doctrines are taught, and in many the standards are lowered. The religious world has become confused. This is a time when the Christian must spend hours in prayer and Bible study every day to know the truth and to know his God.
1 "And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2 "And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3 "For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
4 "And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues" (Revelation 18:1-4).
Under the power of the Holy Spirit a final message will be given with great power to reach the whole world. Babylon has fallen and instead of holding the truth of God, has become a collection of false doctrines. Churches have sought the power of the state to replace their fading spirituality. Finally, God must say, "Come out of her, my people."
The 144,000 and the Seal of God
The three angel’s messages are a warning to the world. Revelation 7:1-4 is an appeal to the church. This describes the 144,000 who are sealed with "the seal of the living God" (Revelation 7:2). It is clear that this is a special group, but it is not clear whether the number 144,000 is symbolic or real. The importance of this group is shown in that the four angels hold back the winds of trouble until the saints are sealed.
Revelation 7:9 describes "a great multitude, which no man could number" representing "these . . . .which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb" (Revelation 7:14). Not just the 144,000, but an unnumbered multitude from the tribulation of the last days are saved also.
1. The 144,000 may represent those who are active in witness and evangelism. "And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever" (Daniel 12:3).
2. The 144,000 are further described in Revelation 14:1-5 as "Having his Father’s name written in their foreheads." See also Revelation 7:3. His name is His character. These people keep the commandments (Revelation 14:12). "In their mouth was found no guile (deceit): for they are without fault before the throne of God" (Revelation 14:5)/
3. "They sung as it were a new song. . . . and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand" (Revelation 14:3). They have developed a perfect trust in Christ during "a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time" (Daniel 12:1): They have gone through a "last days" experience such that no other people have done. They are the only ones who can sing this song.
4. "These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins" (Revelation 14:4). In this permissive age, it would be a small group that could meet this requirement. However, there is another meaning: A woman is a symbol for a church. A virgin represents purity. Put together this represents a people with a pure doctrine. They have no other loyalty except to Christ.
5. "These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth." On earth they got in the habit of following Christ wherever He led, and they naturally keep on doing this in heaven!
6. "The firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb." They lived through the worst of the time of trouble. They were alive to see Jesus come. They had perfect trust in Jesus Christ, their hearts were fully open to His grace. They are the first fruits, evidence that grace is sufficient to save.
What is the seal? In classic use, a seal is applied to a document to attest authenticity. The seal is a symbol, not the document itself. If we understand what the seal is, we will also know what the mark of the beast is. Look at these verses:
"Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you" (Exodus 31:13).
12 "Moreover also I gave them my sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am the LORD that sanctify them."
20 "And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I am the LORD your God" (Ezekiel 20:12, 20).
Keeping the seventh-day Sabbath is the sign (or seal) of sanctification. In the center of the ten commandments is the Sabbath command. God is named as "the Lord thy God", He is Creator, and his domain is "heaven and earth" (Exodus 20:8-11). These are the elements of an official seal. Some will immediately respond with this verse: "And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption" (Ephesians 4:30). This is true. It is the Holy Spirit that seals (action, verb) us; and the Sabbath is the seal (noun) that this has occurred.
And why keep the seventh-day Sabbath? There are immediate reasons to keep each of the other nine commandments. As for the fourth, there is a need for rest, refreshment, and fellowship on a regular basis. But why specify the seventh-day? For two reasons: 1. It is a reminder that God is our Creator. 2. We keep the seventh-day only because God made it holy, and He said to keep it. We show our submission to His will by keeping the seventh-day Sabbath.
In contrast, the worship on the first day of the week is entirely a human institution. The sanctity of the day was transferred from the seventh to the first day in the early church. This same church looks on this event as the sign of its authority. From time to time in the past, there has been an issue of which day to keep. It will again become an issue right at the end of time. See Revelation chapter thirteen.
When the image to the beast is formed his mark is enforced by law on all men (Revelation 13:15-17). When such a law is passed, to accept the mark of the beast in the hand (outward compliance) or in the forehead (inward conviction) is to worship the beast or its image. Thus to keep the seventh-day Sabbath becomes the seal of God, and to worship on the first day of the week in response to the pressure of law becomes the mark of the beast.
What Does it Mean to Be Sealed?
The sealed are the 144,000. They have the Father’s name written in their foreheads showing that the have the character of God, they have a pure doctrine, they are active in witnessing to others, the unshakeable focus of their lives is on Jesus. They keep the commandments of God. There comes a time when the judgment in heaven is finished. The righteous have been found faithful. Those who are persistently wicked are permitted to go their own way. This is called the close of probation.
"He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still" (Revelation 22:11).
The important issue here is that each man’s personal probation closes at death. But there will be a generation who will be alive to see Jesus come. Only the "pure in heart" will see God (Matthew 5:8). Character must be formed now. Sins must be confessed and forgiven now (Romans 13:11). A person cannot afford to let opportunities pass. When Jesus Christ is refused, for any reason, it becomes more difficult to hear and to obey at a later time.
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