Why A Remnant people?

“For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be His people, His treasured possession. The Lord did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the Lord loved you…” Deuteronomy 7:6-8

God’s choice of Israel stemmed from His profound love for them. The original Hebrew word for love signifies a deep emotional attachment, akin to the English expression “fall in love” (Genesis 34:8). God “set His love upon” Israel, conveying an ardent and affectionate attachment. This choice was God’s deliberate, unconditional act, driven solely by His love (Deuteronomy 10:15). Israel possessed no inherent qualities that merited this divine election; rather, it was an act of God’s grace (John 15:16). The ultimate cause lay in the mystery of divine love.

Israel, as a people, had received gracious promises from Yahweh, chosen by virtue of His love and liberated from slavery in Egypt through a display of divine power. God strategically placed Israel at the crossroads of Palestine with the intent that they become a beacon for the nations, carrying the knowledge of the true God through missionary activities. God’s remnant, exemplified by Israel, had a mission of religious revival and evangelism to ensure a clear understanding of the God they served. Israel, as God’s chosen representatives on earth, had the sacred trust of preserving God’s law, symbols and prophecies pointing to the Savior. They were meant to be wells of salvation to the world, revealing God to humanity.

God selected Israel to reveal His character on earth; the election was not for privilege alone but for service with an evangelistic purpose. Israel was to be a blessing to others—a light to the Gentiles, a kingdom of priests, a moral testimony and a reflection of God’s character.

According to the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, God desired His remnant to be exalted above all nations, showcasing unparalleled prosperity, both temporal and spiritual, as a reward for adhering to righteous principles. Israel’s success hinged on holiness of character, health, superior intellect, skill in agriculture and husbandry, craftsmanship, unparalleled prosperity and national greatness. God intended Israel to be a living witness to His greatness and majesty.

As the nations witnessed Israel’s progress, they were meant to be drawn to the God of Israel. All nations were to share in the blessings bestowed upon Israel, and Israel was to extend an invitation to accept their God. God expected His chosen people to glorify Him, be witnesses, reveal the principles of His kingdom, show forth His praise, declare His glory among the heathen and be a light to the Gentiles.

As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we share the same mission. Each of us belongs to God, we are His special possession, commissioned for an everlasting evangelistic mission. Our mission is unique, and as a people of destiny, we are on a journey toward Heaven. God’s plans for His remnant have not changed. Don’t we have the same mission as Israel?

By Lee-Roy Chacon
President