The Remnant
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call. (Joel 2:32)
When God performs a deep work in His people He often does it through a remnant, such as the three hundred of Gideon's army. The Scriptures reveal many instances in which God used just one or two people to advance His cause.
In the last days another remnant, a group of warriors representing the heart of the Bride, will be used mightily by the Lord in the work of judgment. These will walk in white with Jesus, being worthy of union with Him.
What does it mean to overcome; to conquer ?
Why does Christ appear in a different manner to each of the seven churches of Asia?
What are some of the problems found in the churches that must be overcome if the saint is to rule with Christ?
Exactly what rewards are given to those who conquer these problems? What is the relationship between the rewards given to the victorious saints and the first resurrection from the dead?
Is it necessary for the Christian believer to be a conqueror in order for him to attain the first resurrection, to rule with Christ at His appearing? If so, how does the believer become a conqueror? How can the disciple be sure he is living as one of Christ's conquerors?
Christ spoke to the church at Sardis. The name Sardis means "remnant."
Throughout the Old and New Testaments we find that God works with a remnant, a fragment of the mass of people who are involved in the worship of the true God and who bear the name of Israel or of Christ. How can we recognize the Lord's "remnant"? Why is the concept of the remnant so important to the Christian who desires to be one of Christ's conquerors?
Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (Romans 11:5)
Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. (Revelation 3:4)
A "few names" out of the whole church!
The Church in Sardis
And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. (Revelation 3:1)
Christ "hath the seven Spirits of God." Christ is all-powerful. Christ always is in control of every person and every situation. Christ never is limited by the weaknesses and shortcomings of the churches.
Christ possesses the seven Spirits of God. He is the Lord of glory.
Christ holds the seven stars, the ruling spirits of the churches, in the right hand of His power. Christ never is held or controlled by the churches. He holds the churches. He remains above the churches and is Lord of the churches.
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