Isaiah 10:20-21 And it shall come to pass in that day, that the remnant of Israel, and such as are escaped of the house of Jacob, shall no more again stay upon him that smote them; but shall stay upon the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God.

ABSTRACT

The article explains how God prepares a faithful remnant through separation, the Spirit’s power, testing, and unity so they can give the final warning of the three angels’ messages before Christ returns.

A TIME OF SIFTING: THE REMNANT AND THE COMING STORM

In the closing days of earth’s history, the faithful remnant experiences separation and empowerment amidst escalating trials, culminating in a unified proclamation of truth before Christ’s return. God distinguishes His people through a purifying process, as seen in the sifting that reveals true allegiance. Isaiah 1:9 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. Zephaniah 3:13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth: for they shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid. Through inspired counsel we are told, “We are sorry that there are defective members, that there are tares amid the wheat….Let all be careful not to make an outcry against the only people who are fulfilling the description given of the remnant people who keep the commandments of God and have faith in Jesus….God has a distinct people, a church on earth, second to none, but superior to all in their facilities to teach the truth, to vindicate the law of God” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 45, 1923). A prophetic voice once wrote, “God has a remnant people, a few whom He is fitting up for translation. If we would stand during the time of trouble that is before us, we must now obtain a deep and living experience in the things of God” (Signs of the Times, June 9, 1881). These events prepare the remnant for the final conflict, but what empowers them to proclaim the truth boldly?

CAN SPIRIT EMPOWER YOU?

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit empowers the remnant for their final work. After this initial separation, a remarkable event occurs: the outpouring of the Latter Rain. Hosea 6:3 Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth. Zechariah 10:1 Ask ye 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. The inspired pen tells us, “The latter rain, ripening earth’s harvest, represents the spiritual grace that prepares the church for the coming of the Son of man. But unless the former rain has fallen, there will be no life; the green blade will not spring up. Unless the early showers have done their work, the latter rain can bring no seed to perfection” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 506, 1923). In The Review and Herald we read, “The latter rain, falling near the close of the season, ripens the grain and prepares it for the sickle. The Lord employs these operations of nature to represent the work of the Holy Spirit” (November 22, 1892). This is not just a gentle shower; it’s a torrential downpour of divine power. Imagine the disciples on the day of Pentecost, filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in other tongues, and preaching with irresistible conviction. That same power will be available to the remnant in the last days. We need to be open and receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, allowing Him to fill us and empower us for service. How can we prepare ourselves for this outpouring? By studying God’s Word, by prayer, and by complete surrender to His will. But what test will further define loyalty in this empowered era?

SUNDAY LAW TESTS LOYALTY?

The Sunday law serves as a pivotal test of allegiance to God. The enactment of the Sunday Law will further intensify the separation. It will be a test of loyalty, a clear dividing line between those who truly follow God and those who follow the dictates of human authority. Exodus 31:13 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. Nehemiah 13:18 Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath. A prophetic voice once wrote, “To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law By the decree enforcing the institution of the papacy in violation of the law of God our nation will disconnect herself fully from righteousness” (Testimonies for the Church 5:451, 1885). In Maranatha we read, “Men in authority will enact laws controlling the conscience, after the example of the papacy. Babylon will make all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Every nation will be involved” (190, 1976). This law, requiring worship on Sunday, will challenge the faithful to choose between God’s Sabbath and the demands of the world. It will be a time of great pressure and persecution, but it will also be a time of great revelation, showing who truly stands for God’s truth. I believe this will be a difficult time, but also a time of unparalleled spiritual growth for those who remain faithful. Yet how does this lead to the hardships that refine the faithful?

TRIALS BUILD TRUE FAITH?

Trials during the little time of trouble strengthen the remnant’s resolve. The “little time of trouble” will follow, a period of immense hardship. Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. James 1:2-4 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. A passage from Evangelism reminds us, “Before the war closes, providential circumstances will make more manifest the Sabbath truth. There will be a national awakening, and the truth will be brought before many who would not otherwise hear it” (194, 1904). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The time of trouble is the crucible that is to bring out Christ-like characters. It is designed to lead the people of God to renounce Satan and his temptations” (The Review and Herald, August 12, 1884). This is not Jacob’s Trouble, but a distinct period of suffering that precedes it. It’s a time of testing, a time when our faith will be tried as by fire. Like Job, we may face loss, suffering, and misunderstanding. But through it all, God promises to be with us, to sustain us, and to bring us through. We must remember that even in the midst of trouble, God is in control. Amid these trials, what final proclamation will the remnant make?

HEAR ANGELS’ FINAL CRY?

The remnant proclaims the three angels’ messages with power. During this tumultuous time, the remnant will proclaim the three angels’ messages with unprecedented power. Revelation 14:6-7 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Revelation 14:12 Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. In The Great Controversy we read, “The third angel’s message is to be given with power. The power of the proclamation of the first and second messages is to be intensified in the third” (611, 1911). A prophetic voice once wrote, “The third angel’s message must go over the land, and awaken minds, and call them from the contemplation of earthly things to their eternal interests” (The Review and Herald, April 1, 1875). This message, including the Sabbath truth, will be a final call to repentance, a warning against the deceptions of Babylon. It will be a message of love and mercy, but also a message of judgment. Like a trumpet blast, it will ring out across the world, calling people to choose between truth and error. I believe this message is our responsibility to share, with gentleness and respect, but also with unwavering conviction. In such trials, how does God’s love sustain the faithful?

LOVE SHINES IN TROUBLE?

God’s love refines character through adversity. God’s love is not always expressed in comfortable circumstances. Sometimes, like a loving parent, He allows us to face trials and difficulties to refine our character and draw us closer to Him. Psalm 119:67 Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. Isaiah 48:10 Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Ellen G. White wrote, “Trials and obstacles are the Lord’s chosen methods of discipline and His appointed conditions of success. He who reads the hearts of men knows their characters better than they themselves know them. He sees that some have powers and susceptibilities which, rightly directed, might be used in the advancement of His work. In His providence He brings these persons into different positions and varied circumstances that they may discover in their character the defects which have been concealed from their own knowledge. He gives them opportunity to correct these defects and to fit themselves for His service. Often He permits the fires of affliction to assail them that they may be purified” (The Ministry of Healing, 471, 1905). In Patriarchs and Prophets we read, “The fact that we are called upon to endure trial shows that the Lord Jesus sees in us something precious which He desires to develop. If He saw in us nothing whereby He might glorify His name, He would not spend time in refining us. He does not cast worthless stones into His furnace. It is valuable ore that He refines” (289, 1890). This quote clearly shows that God’s intention is not to harm us but to purify us. The trials, the separation, the “little time of trouble”—all these are ultimately acts of love, designed to prepare us for His kingdom. He desires a people who are wholly His, a people who have chosen Him above all else. This is a love that is strong, a love that is unwavering, a love that will not let us go. We see this love in the sacrifice of Jesus, who endured suffering and death so that we might have eternal life. This same love motivates God to purify and refine His people, preparing them for His glorious return. In light of this love, how should we personally respond to testing?

WILL YOU STAND FIRM?

Personal faithfulness is essential in times of trial. Testing reveals the depth of our commitment to God. I have often wondered how I would respond in such a time of testing. Would I stand firm in my faith, or would I compromise my convictions? 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. A passage from Testimonies for the Church reminds us, “God has a people upon the earth who in faith and holy hope are tracing down the roll of fast-fulfilling prophecy and are seeking to purify their souls by obeying the truth, that they may not be found without the wedding garment in the day when Christ shall make His appearance” (4:27, 1876). Through inspired counsel we are told, “The Lord has faithful watchmen on the walls of Zion to cry aloud and spare not, to lift up their voice like a trumpet, and show His people their transgression and the house of Jacob their sins” (Testimonies for the Church 3:260, 1873). I pray that God will give me the strength and courage to be faithful, even unto death. I know that I am weak, but I also know that God is strong. If I cling to Him, He will see me through. As we face these challenges, how can we foster unity among us?

UNITED FOR END TIMES?

Unity prepares the church for the final events. Preparation through study and mutual support strengthens the body of Christ. We, as a church, must prepare for these coming events. We must study God’s Word, we must pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and we must support one another in love and unity. We are all part of the remnant, and we all have a role to play. Let us put aside our differences and focus on the message that unites us: the three angels’ messages. Let us be ready to face whatever comes, knowing that God is with us, and that He will ultimately triumph. As we see the signs of the times unfolding, we must be like the wise virgins, prepared for the Bridegroom’s return. We must be a light shining in a dark world, a beacon of hope in a time of despair. This is our calling, this is our privilege, and this is our destiny. Ephesians 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Colossians 3:14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. In The Review and Herald we read, “The unity that exists between Christ and His disciples does not destroy the personality of either. They are one in purpose, in mind, in character, but not in person. It is thus that God and Christ are one” (May 30, 1907). The inspired pen tells us, “Unity is the sure result of Christian perfection” (The Sanctified Life, 85, 1889).

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these prophetic truths, allowing them to shape my character and priorities?

How can we adapt these complex themes to be understandable and relevant to diverse audiences, from seasoned church members to new seekers or those from different faith traditions, without compromising theological accuracy?

What are the most common misconceptions about these topics in my community, and how can I gently but effectively correct them using Scripture and the writings of Sr. White?

In what practical ways can our local congregations and individual members become more vibrant beacons of truth and hope, living out the reality of Christ’s soon return and God’s ultimate victory over evil?