To Characterize the Remnant Church

This same great truth regarding the bestowal of the spiritual gifts is recorded in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. In chapter 12, verses 4 to 31, they are set forth at considerable length, and with great clearness. One of the gifts named in this list is that of prophecy (verse 10); that is, the prophetic gift. After enumerating the gifts, and clearly explaining their purpose, the apostle admonishes the church to “covet earnestly the best gifts,” to “desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.” Verse 31; 14:1.AGP 167.4

Paul had already written in his earlier epistle to the Thessalonians, “Quench not the Spirit. Despise not prophesyings.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19, 20. These two expressions are in a list of exhortations that cannot be otherwise than continual in their application to the church. As truly as we are to “rejoice evermore” and “pray without ceasing” so are we evermore to “quench notAGP 167.5

the Spirit” and without ceasing to “despise not prophesyings.”AGP 168.1

The teaching is very clear, that to the church has been given assurance that the spiritual gifts, which are so greatly needed, are to remain as long as the church is in the world. Moreover, the gift of prophecy is specifically mentioned as the gift to be desired and cherished above all others.AGP 168.2

The book of Revelation contains several distinct lines of prophecy. Some give a brief outline of the political history of the world from the first advent of Christ to the close of time, while other prophecies trace the history of the church during the same period. The prophecy of the twelfth chapter of the book of Revelation begins with the apostolic church, and ends with the “remnant” church. Of the latter it is declared:AGP 168.3

“The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Revelation 12:17.

The “dragon” represents Satan. The “woman” represents the church. The “remnant” indicates the last period of the church. The “commandments of God” are, of course, the ten great moral precepts of the Decalogue. “The testimony of Jesus,” as infallibly interpreted by the angel to John, is “the spirit of prophecy,” when he says, “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” Revelation 19:10.AGP 168.4