Isaiah cries concerning Israel, ‘Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved’ . . . . Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. Rom 9:27, 11:5
Except the LORD of hosts had left unto us a very small remnant, we should have been as Sodom, and we should have been like unto Gomorrah. Isa 1:9
“Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him.”
1Kings 19:18
These are just a few of the O.T. references speaking of a small but faithful company within the whole House of Israel.
In the N.T. a similar picture emerges in respect of the worldwide Church.
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. Rev 12:17
The woman represents the whole church, out of which only the remnant obtain the promise.
The Lord speaks to various churches in Revelation 2-3, but only the individual overcomers receive the promise.
Israel completed its history by deifying the Law and crucifying its Lord. The Church is now completing its history by abandoning the walk of faith, and deifying its structures and theologies. Both companies have been guilty of apostasy. Only a small remnant from each will receive the Lord’s commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant. Rule over many cities.”
He who overcomes, and keeps my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. Rev 2:26-27
All these separate topics are leading us to a very important conclusion.
