Ministry to the Remnant

by Sergio Valori

he term ‘remnant’ means “a portion (usually small) which survives, escapes or remains.” The remnant scenario appears quite frequently in the Bible and represents a description of what is developing today in Christendom. The majority are pursuing a cheap or shallow gospel which leaves them short of God’s full purpose, while only a remnant are pressing toward the marks of spiritual maturity, holiness and Godly character.

Although our Father’s heart is that “none should perish”, Jesus Himself taught us it would not be so. “…strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Mt.7:14)

What is true of the gospel in general is also true in those times when God releases a message by His Spirit to His Church. Such messages, as seen in Revelation 2 and 3, are always accompanied by the exhortation, “He that hath an ear, let him hear…” The implication is that only a small remnant called ‘overcomers’ will have an ear to hear. Although all God’s children are precious to Him, it remains that God is looking for a people who will overcome the sub-par conditions in His Church and rise to the fullness of His purpose. Such a people will constitute a remnant.

"The word reveals that God intends to end up with a glorious Church truly possessing the glory of Christ"

Special promises are made to the remnant of those who “overcome.” One of them, in Rev. 3:21, involves a participation in the ministry of the very throne of God in vital union with the Lord Jesus Himself. In actuality, Christ in His resurrection and ascension brought His church with Him to the very throne of God, but the majority of the Church has fallen from this privileged relationship. (Eph.2:6) In these days, God is restoring a people to this vital relationship of fellowship in His purposes.

Because of our heavenly Father’s desire to have a people who will participate in the ministry of the throne, there has always been a dual thrust in the message of the gospel. One has been to reach the lost and the other has been to bring the saved onward to a state of maturity, vital relationship with God and fulfillment of purpose. This can be seen in the ministry of Paul. Although he was extremely zealous that all would embrace the saving message of grace through faith in Christ, as time went on, another burden and travail began to be formed in his heart.

It is reflected best in the following two expressions: “My little children of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be (Gr: fully) formed in you.” (Gal.4:19) And, “…we preach…warning…and teaching…that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.” (Col.1:28) Such expressions and many more such teachings may be called Paul’s “second travail.” The same zeal and fervency which had attended his preaching of the gospel of grace were now being manifest in his burden to bring His Church to a state of full spiritual stature.

Such a burden and travail rests on the ministry of Christ Ministerial Fellowship today.

We should all ask ourselves the questions, “What is to be done with those who accept Christ and become babes in His Kingdom? Are they to remain in a state of shallowness and immaturity? Do we receive them merely as ‘numbers’ in the kingdom and continue to feed them the milk of the word or entertain them as children?

Does not God have more for His people beyond blessings, deliverances and continual provision? We thank God for His abundant mercies, His love and His constant care. But, is not the Father looking for mature sons? In fact, is not all creation waiting for the manifestation (revealing) of the sons of God?” (See Romans 8:17-23)

The word reveals that God intends to end up with a glorious Church (truly possessing the glory of Christ), without spot (blemish) or wrinkle (loss of vitality) and holy (separated and pure). (Eph.5:25-27) It further reveals that God will send the message of the Kingdom into all the world as a witness to all nations. The purpose of this is to raise up a remnant of kings and priests who will qualify to stand with God in the earth in the last days and also administer His earthly Kingdom at the return of Christ.

It is this vision of an overcoming remnant that grips our heart. I trust that many will commit their lives to minister, intercede in prayer and offer financial support so the above scenario can become a reality in every nation on earth.