The Bible, the Spirit of Prophecy, and the Church

In the Days of the Remnant

The Holy Scriptures quite frequently make reference to the remnant of the church. Not only the writers of the New Testament but the prophets of the Old Testament refer to the church of the last days. In the main they call it the remnant of the people of God. In the Holy Scriptures we find listed a number of important characteristics of those who are waiting for the return of the Savior, and among them is the possession of “the testimony of Jesus Christ.” In Revelation 19:10 John calls this “the spirit of prophecy.” If this refers to one of the gifts of the Spirit, of which prophecy was one (1 Corinthians 12:10), it indicates that spiritual gifts would be seen in the church in the last days. BSPC 89.3

We should expect to see the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit in the remnant church in fulfillment of the prophecy of Joel. The church in the last days is the particular part of the church to which his prophecy in the fullest sense applies. In this time God will pour out His Spirit, and under the latter rain “your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” Joel 2:28. BSPC 89.4

The apostle Paul also refers to a special experience of the remnant church in his letter to the Corinthian believers. He writes: BSPC 89.5

“That in every thing you are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: so that you come behind in no gift. Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 1:5-8. BSPC 89.6

This is the message to the church “waiting for the coming of our Lord.” They are to “come behind in no gift,” and the “testimony of Christ” will be confirmed in them. One gathers from these expressions that before the end there will be a great revival in the church, the Spirit of God will be manifested in fuller measure, and this will bring a large manifestation of spiritual gifts. Why should we not expect this? Why should we not earnestly pray for this revival? This is the time of the latter rain, and in this time we are counseled by the prophet Zechariah: BSPC 89.7

“Ask you of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.” Zechariah 10:1. BSPC 90.1

Let us bear in mind the message of faith and courage given to the people of God in the days of old. Jehoshaphat was king. Israel was facing a crisis. The enemies of the Lord were on every side, and it seemed as though there was no way out of the dilemma. Then came a prophet of the Lord. He gave counsel, which, from the military viewpoint, looked like sheer folly. Jehoshaphat was counseled to organize a choir, then to send the singers out before the hosts of Israel. They were to sing and to shout. Then said the prophet, “Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand you still, and see the salvation of the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 20:17. Jehoshaphat decided to heed this message, even though it meant going against his own best judgment. He took counsel like a good loyal leader, and the Lord honored his faith and confidence. His faith is still further seen in the fact that before Victory was in sight Jehoshaphat, with a courage born of heaven encouraged the hosts of Israel when he declared, “Believe in the Lord your God, so shall you be established; believe his prophets, so shall you prosper.” Verse 20. BSPC 90.2

These messages from the days of long ago are of special importance to us who live in the last days. BSPC 90.3

“Of special value to God’s church on earth today the keepers of His vineyard—are the messages of counsel and admonition given through the prophets who have made plain His eternal purpose in behalf of mankind. In the teachings of the prophets, His love for the lost race, and His plan for their salvation, are clearly revealed.”—Prophets and Kings, 22. BSPC 90.4