BIBLICAL BRIEFS 13
In the Charismatic latter-day theology the term ‘remnant’ often appears. However, no consensus has been reached regarding the implication of this term. To most movements it refers to a small group of people who, in anticipation of the rapture, prepare themselves for the so-called great tribulation in order to survive the three and a half years’ rule of the antichrist on earth, and subsequently be found faithful. Other viewpoints specifically refer to the Jews who will come to faith during that period in time. Both these views are unbiblical interpretations. The word ‘remnant’ is a translation of several Hebrew words meaning, “what is left”, ‘the rest of the things that remain’ or ‘residues’. This term implies a “holy seed”, a spiritual core that remained, after a large group of people, carrying the same seed, has since died, or has been carried away, been secularized, or has wandered off. Those who remain are indicative of the true master plan regarding God’s primary agenda, which has to be kept safe WITHIN them at all cost. The first occurrence of this word in the Bible is an expressive definition of how this term is mostly used in Scripture, Joseph’s words to his brothers: “God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to keep you alive by a great deliverance. ” (Gen. 45:7). In Isa. 7:3 we see that the prophet had to name his son Shear-jashub, which means, “a remnant will return”. This promise can be traced right through all the ages like a golden thread – through the histories of the old and the new covenant, as well as the history of the church during the past two thousand years. The remnant is the small group of believers in whom God has placed His Divine Seed; those shielded by absolute hope and faith in order that God’s master plan be unquestionably accomplished throughout the ages.
Dr. Tom Gouws
